With the long weekend behind us, we're already looking forward to the next public holiday in the UAE. And if you're wondering when the next break will be, this is for you. From New Year to Eid Al Fitr, there's a whole lot of holidays coming up in the UAE in 2026. Read the list and plan ahead!
New Year's Day – 1 January, 2026
New Year 2026 falls on a Thursday. The holiday is “'ransferable', meaning the government may move it for example to Friday, to create a longer weekend.
Eid Al Fitr – 20 to 22 March, 2026 (To be confirmed)
Marks the end of Ramadan and begins on 1 Shawwal. In 2026, it is expected to run from Friday to Sunday, giving a three-day holiday. Final dates depend on moon sighting.
Arafat Day – 26 May, 2026 (To be confirmed)
Observed on 9 Dhul Hijjah, the day before the start of the sacrifice festival. In 2026, it is likely to fall on Tuesday, 26 May.
Eid Al Adha – 27 to 29 May, 2026 (To be confirmed)
The Feast of Sacrifice, following Arafat Day. In 2026, it is likely to run from Wednesday, 27 May to Friday, 29 May. With Arafat Day and the weekend, this could create a six-day break.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) – 16 June, 2026 (To be confirmed)
Marks the start of the Hijri year (1 Muharram). In 2026, it is expected on Tuesday, 16 June. The government may move it to create a longer weekend.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday (Mawlid) – 25 August, 2026 (To be confirmed)
Commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), falling on 12 Rabi Al Awwal. In 2026, it is likely on Tuesday, 25 August. As a transferable holiday, it may be moved by government decision.
UAE National Day – 2 and 3 December 2026 (To be confirmed)
Celebrates the founding of the UAE (Eid Al Etihad). In 2026, holidays are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, 2 and 3 December. These are transferable and may be adjusted to extend the year-end break.
Bear in mind that Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, so final dates will be confirmed closer to the day. So, watch this space for more updates!