UAE Public Holidays 2026: Complete Calendar Announced

As residents and businesses begin planning for the year ahead, the UAE has shared its predicted public holidays calendar for 2026, offering families several opportunities for long weekends and extended breaks. The year is expected to include at least 12 public holidays, combining both fixed Gregorian dates and Islamic lunar dates based on moon sightings.

“Some holidays fall on fixed Gregorian dates. Others follow the Islamic lunar calendar and depend on moon sightings,” officials note. Based on astronomical predictions and past Cabinet resolutions, residents can now get a practical overview of what to expect in 2026.

Predicted UAE Public Holidays for 2026

Fixed Gregorian Holidays:

• January 1: New Year’s Day
• December 2–3: Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)

Islamic Lunar Holidays (Subject to Moon Sighting):

• Shawwal 1–3: Eid Al Fitr
• Dhu Al Hijjah 9: Arafat Day
• Dhu Al Hijjah 10–12: Eid Al Adha
• Muharram 1: Islamic New Year
• Rabi Al Awwal 12: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday

Expected Long Weekends in 2026

Several holidays in 2026 may create extended breaks for residents:

• Eid Al Fitr 2026: Expected from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, offering a three-day weekend.
• Eid Al Adha 2026: Expected from Tuesday, May 26 (Arafat Day) to Friday, May 29, potentially creating a six-day holiday when combined with the weekend.
• Eid Al Etihad 2026 (UAE National Day): December 2–3 (Wednesday and Thursday), which may extend to a four-day weekend with Friday and Saturday.

How UAE Public Holidays Are Determined

UAE public holidays follow two calendar systems:

1. Gregorian Calendar (Fixed Dates): Includes New Year’s Day and UAE National Day, which remain constant annually.
2. Islamic Hijri Calendar (Variable Dates): Includes Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday. Dates vary each year due to the shorter lunar calendar, with moon sightings confirming final dates.

Important Holiday Guidelines

According to Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024:

• Certain holidays may be adjusted to create long weekends, except for Eid holidays.
• Holidays falling on weekends are not carried forward.
• Local authorities may announce additional holidays for special occasions.

UAE School Holidays in 2026

Public holidays often coincide with school breaks, making family planning easier:

MOE Curriculum Schools:

• Winter Break: December 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Spring Break & Eid Al Fitr: March 16 – 29
• Mid-Term Break & Eid Al Adha: May 25 – 29
• Hijri New Year Holiday: June 17
• Summer Break (Staff): Starts July 18

Dubai Private Schools (KHDA):

• Schools starting in April (2025–2026): Winter Break: December 15 – January 5, Spring Break: March 16 – 30, Academic Year Ends: March 30, 2026
• Schools starting in September (2025–2026): Winter Break: December 15 – January 5, Spring Break: March 16 – 30, Academic Year Ends: March 3, 2026

The 2026 UAE public holiday calendar provides a clear guide for planning vacations, family events, and business schedules, helping residents maximize long weekends and special celebrations.