Are you planning to travel to the United Arab Emirates in 2026? Learning about the UAE public holidays 2026 may help you to enjoy your visit even more. The UAE will have seven religious, national, and general events during the year that will provide the residents as well as tourists with longer weekends and overall vacations.
A major development was introduced in 2025, where some of the UAE public holidays were moved to the beginning or end of the week in case they fall in the middle of the week. This way allows long and continuous breaks. The UAE Cabinet has made these decisions that transfer holidays and create extended weekends, which will be of benefit to tourists planning their visit to the country.
Confirmed UAE Public Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Date | Duration | Transferable |
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 | 1 day | Yes |
| National Day (Eid Al Etihad) | Wednesday-Thursday, December 2-3 | 2 days | Yes |
New Year’s Day 2026
Thursday, January 1, is the first day of 2026. In case the UAE Cabinet shifts this holiday to Friday, January 2, it will be a 3-day weekend to kick off the year.
UAE National Day 2026
The UAE National Day is a holiday that commemorates the 55th anniversary of nationalisation in the country. This holiday is dedicated to the date of the 2nd of December 1971, when the emirates came together under the idea of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Predicted UAE Public Holidays 2026 (Moon Sighting Dependent)
These are the predicted public holidays of the UAE 2026, as these occur based on the moon sightings:
| Holiday | Predicted Date | Duration | Transferable |
| Eid Al Fitr | Thursday-Sunday, March 19-22 | 4 days | No |
| Arafah Day & Eid Al Adha | Tuesday-Friday, May 26-29 | 4 days | No |
| Hijri New Year | Tuesday, June 16 | 1 day | Yes |
| Prophet’s Birthday | Tuesday, August 25 | 1 day | Yes |
Eid Al Fitr 2026
Eid Al Fitr is the termination of Ramadan and has four days in the form of holidays. This holiday is performed between 29 Ramadan and 3 Shawwal (4 days).
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha 2026
The break of 2026 is the longest one in Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha. This could offer 6 days in a row, starting on Tuesday, May 26, to Sunday, May 29, when the weekend is mixed into it. This holiday will be between 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah (4 days).
Hijri New Year 2026
The Hijra New Year 2026 is the beginning of Muharram. This holiday is transferable, as the UAE Cabinet has to decide on it.
Prophet’s Birthday
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is celebrated on the 12 Rabi’ Awwal.
Things to Do in Dubai During UAE Public Holidays 2026
Dubai transforms into a vibrant destination during public holidays, offering countless experiences for tourists. Whether it is the world-renowned attractions in Dubai, such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall or desert safaris and dhow cruises, there is something that everyone will like. The city is vibrant during the time of festivals, where there are special events, fireworks, and cultural activities. Go to the classic souks, do some luxury shopping or rest on beaches in Dubai. The long weekends are ideal to find out about things to do in Dubai, be it an adventure experience in the theme parks, a cultural experience in the heritage sites or a food tour of the various restaurants in Dubai.
UAE Public Holidays 2026 provide great chances of being visited by tourists during the festive times due to the transferable holiday system and several extended weekends. The longest period of vacation is the Eid holiday, and the prospective 4-day National Day holiday in December also offers the best travel opportunities. The booking is made at these peak seasons early to get the best rates and accommodation at hotels, attractions, and restaurants.
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