Will January 1 be public holiday for New Year’s day?

DUBAI: As people around the world get ready to welcome the New Year, details about the expected public holidays for 2026 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have come forward. Because Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, the exact dates may change, but reports suggest that UAE residents could enjoy around 12 official public holidays in 2026.

The first public holiday of the year will be on January 1, 2026, for New Year’s Day across the UAE. After that, Eidul Fitr is expected to bring a three-day holiday starting from 1st Shawwal. Eidul Azha is also likely to offer a three-day break beginning on 9th Zul-Hijjah.

The Day of Arafat will be observed on 10th Zul-Hijjah. Other important public holidays include 1st Muharram, which marks the Islamic New Year, 12th Rabi al-Awwal for Eid Milad-un-Nabi, and the UAE National Day on December 2 and 3.

Although the exact dates of Islamic holidays may change due to moon sightings, residents can still expect a possible long weekend of up to six days in 2026. This will give people plenty of time for travel, rest, and family gatherings.

Public transport timings and parking charges are also expected to change during major public holidays, as usually happens every year.

Recently, the UAE observed public holidays for the 54th Eid Al Etihad on December 1 and 2, 2025. These two days were declared paid holidays for all private-sector employees across the country.

Read More: Arshad Nadeem Clinches Gold in Javelin Throw at 35th National Games