UAE

About UAE

History & background of UAE public holidays

UAE public holidays have evolved alongside the country’s modern history and federal governance. The UAE holiday calendar includes national holidays marking milestones such as the formation of the UAE in 1971, alongside Islamic observances like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha (Bakrid) and Muharram (Islamic New Year) holidays that follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar.

Over time, UAE public holidays have been standardised across emirates and sectors, helping employees and employers plan around a clear set of government-declared holidays each year.

New Year’s Day - Jan 1

Marking the first official public holiday of the year, New Year’s Day in UAE was observed Jan 1, which fell on a Thursday. Friday, Jan 2, 2026 was designated as a remote work day for federal government employees (where applicable) rather than being declared an additional public holiday. For the private sector, Jan 1 was announced as a paid public holiday.

Eid Holidays 2026 in UAE

Like the rest of the GCC, Eid holidays in the UAE are among the most widely observed public holidays, typically offering a longer break than most other dates on the UAE holidays 2026 calendar. These Eid holidays in UAE apply to both public and private sector employees across all emirates, which is why they’re a key period for leave planning, staffing, and travel decisions.

Eid Al Fitr Holidays

March 20–22, 2026 (Friday to Sunday)

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, followed by Shawwal as the 10th. Eid Al Fitr is observed on the first day of Shawwal, immediately after Ramadan ends. The UAE marks Eid Al Fitr with three days of public holiday (Shawwal 1-3). As a major UAE public holiday, Eid Al Fitr is observed by both public and private sector employees across all emirates.

Smart planning can help employees maximise this festival break. By requesting annual leave from Monday to Thursday, March 16–19, it is possible to enjoy nine days off, from Saturday, March 14, through Sunday, March 22, including weekends and the Eid holidays.

Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (Bakrid) Holidays in UAE

Arafat Day: May 26, 2026 (Tuesday)

Eid Al Adha (Bakrid): May 27–29, 2026 (Wednesday to Friday)

Arafat Day is observed one day before Eid Al Adha — both fall in Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th Islamic month. Arafat Day is immediately followed by Eid Al Adha (Bakrid), one of the longest and most widely observed Eid holidays in UAE.

With Arafat Day on Tuesday and Eid holidays from Wednesday to Friday, employees get six consecutive days off when combined with the weekend (Tuesday, May 26 to Sunday, May 31). Add a Monday May 25 leave, and you will have 9 consecutive days off (May 23 – May 31).

Fun fact: Eid Al Adha typically falls around 2 months & 10 days after Eid Al Fitr.

Islamic New Year (Hijri / Muharram) - June 16

The Islamic New Year holiday in UAE (also called the Hijri New Year) is observed as a one-day public holiday. It marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Start the new lunar year with a mini-break; the Islamic New Year falls on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, although the exact date will be confirmed after the moon sighting. Take Monday off, and you could enjoy a relaxing 4-day break including the weekend. Transferable leave may also apply, pending a UAE Cabinet ruling.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday - August 25

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (also known as Milad un Nabi) is observed as a one-day public holiday in the UAE. In 2026, it is listed on Tuesday, August 25. Depending on UAE Cabinet decisions for that year’s holiday calendar, some one-day holidays may be transferred to create a longer weekend.

For employees with a Saturday–Sunday weekend, taking annual leave on Monday can extend the break.

Commemoration Day - Nov 30 (Not a Holiday)

Commemoration Day honors Emirati heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. It is observed annually on November 30 through official ceremonies and remembrance. However, there is no public holiday on Commemoration Day — no separate day off is granted on Nov 30. Employees receive time off only for the UAE National Day holidays on December 2–3.

UAE National Day 2026 (Eid Al Etihad) - Dec 2–3

UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) commemorates the formation of the UAE and is celebrated across all emirates. It is falling mid-week this year (Wed–Thu). National Day holidays are observed across all emirates, and most organisations in the UAE follow the same official dates for public and private sector employees. Since this period is a peak travel and leave-planning window, it’s a good idea to confirm internal office closures and any sector-specific working arrangements in advance.