Planning holidays in the UAE becomes much easier when you know the exact public holidays and expected Eid dates in advance. Whether you’re a resident planning short breaks or a tourist booking flights early, UAE public holidays 2026 offer multiple long weekends and festival breaks throughout the year.
This guide covers all official UAE public holidays in 2026, including exact number of holidays, expected Eid dates, and how to use them smartly for travel.
Total Number of Public Holidays in UAE 2026
In 2026, the UAE will observe 13 official public holiday days (subject to moon sighting for Islamic holidays).
These include:
- National holidays
- Islamic holidays (Eid, Hijri New Year, Prophet’s Birthday)
- New Year’s Day
Complete List of UAE Public Holidays 2026 (With Dates)
1. New Year’s Day
Date: Thursday, 1 January 2026
Total Holidays: 1 day
New Year’s Day kicks off 2026 with fireworks, concerts, and hotel events across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many people combine this with annual leave to enjoy a long winter vacation.
Eid Al Fitr Holidays 2026 (Expected Dates)
2. Eid Al Fitr
Expected Dates:
- Friday, 20 March 2026
- Saturday, 21 March 2026
- Sunday, 22 March 2026
Total Holidays: 3 days
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most important holidays in the UAE. In 2026, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall in late March, creating a perfect long weekend.
Why Eid Al Fitr 2026 Is Important for Travel
- Ideal time for staycations
- Hotel discounts and Eid offers
- Theme parks and attractions run special Eid events
- Short international trips to nearby countries like Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey
Note: Dates are subject to moon sighting and may vary by one day.
Eid Al Adha Holidays 2026 (Expected Dates)
3. Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha
Expected Dates:
- Tuesday, 26 May 2026 – Arafat Day
- Wednesday, 27 May 2026 – Eid Al Adha
- Thursday, 28 May 2026 – Eid Al Adha Holiday
- Friday, 29 May 2026 – Eid Al Adha Holiday
Total Holidays: 4 days
Eid Al Adha in 2026 is expected to offer one of the longest breaks of the year. Combined with a weekend, many residents may enjoy up to 5–6 consecutive days off.
Best Uses of Eid Al Adha Break
- Long overseas vacations
- Family trips within UAE
- Umrah travel
- Resort bookings in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
4. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Total Holidays: 1 day
The Islamic New Year is a quiet public holiday often used by residents to extend weekends with annual leave.
5. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabi)
Date: Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Total Holidays: 1 day
This holiday usually falls mid-week and is ideal for a short break or staycation.
UAE National Day Holidays 2026
6. UAE National Day
Dates:
- Wednesday, 2 December 2026
- Thursday, 3 December 2026
Total Holidays: 2 days
National Day celebrations include fireworks, parades, concerts, and special hotel promotions across the country. With weekends nearby, this often turns into a 4-day break.
Summary Table: UAE Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Expected Dates | Total Days |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 Jan | 1 |
| Eid Al Fitr | 20–22 Mar | 3 |
| Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha | 26–29 May | 4 |
| Islamic New Year | 16 Jun | 1 |
| Prophet’s Birthday | 25 Aug | 1 |
| National Day | 2–3 Dec | 2 |
| Total | 13 Days |
How to Plan Smart Travel Around UAE Holidays 2026
- Book flights early for Eid holidays (prices rise fast)
- Use 1–2 annual leave days to create long breaks
- Choose off-peak destinations to save money
- Book UAE hotels early for Eid staycations
Best Travel Periods in 2026 from UAE
- March (Eid Al Fitr): Europe, Turkey, Azerbaijan
- May (Eid Al Adha): Long international trips
- December (National Day): Local celebrations + winter travel
FAQs – UAE Holidays 2026
How many public holidays are there in UAE in 2026?
The UAE will have 13 official public holiday days in 2026.
When is Eid Al Fitr in UAE 2026?
Eid Al Fitr is expected from 20 to 22 March 2026, subject to moon sighting.
How long is Eid Al Adha holiday in 2026?
Eid Al Adha holidays are expected to last 4 days, from 26 to 29 May 2026.
Are Eid dates confirmed?
No. Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting, so dates may change by one day.
Is National Day a long weekend in 2026?
Yes. With 2–3 December falling mid-week, many residents may enjoy a longer break.
Final Thoughts
Knowing UAE public holidays 2026 in advance helps you save money, avoid peak prices, and plan better trips. Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha offer the best long breaks, while National Day is perfect for local celebrations.
Hi! We’re the Travel Blog Dubai Team — passionate travelers who explore Dubai every day to bring you honest tips, best places to visit, budget ideas, and real experiences.Whether you’re planning your first trip or you live in the UAE, our guides help you discover the best of Dubai, hassle-free.
