List of UAE Public Holidays 2026 | National & Religious Holidays

Aside from their national or religious significance, holidays offer UAE residents and expatriates a chance to enjoy special days in the UAE, take a break from work, spend time with family, or plan a vacation abroad.

This guide highlights all important UAE days in 2026, including special November days in the UAE and other important dates in use, so you can plan ahead.

UAE Public Holidays

In the UAE, as the year begins, the government announces its calendar for UAE public holidays 2026. The dates of government holidays in the UAE are either set on the calendar, such as national and cultural holidays, or are observed based on moon sightings and the lunar calendar, namely Islamic holidays. Below is the confirmed holiday calendar with all the important days and special days in the UAE:

New Year’s Day: 1st of January
Eid Al-Fitr: 1 to 3 Shawwal (likely evening of March 20 to 22 - Subject to moon sighting)
Arafat Day: 9 Dhul Hijjah (likely evening of 26 May - Subject to the lunar calendar)
Eid Al-Adha: 10 to 12 Dhul Hijjah (likely evening of 27 to 29 May - Subject to the lunar calendar)
Islamic New Year: 1 Muharram (likely evening of June 16 - Subject to moon sighting)
Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) birthday or Al Mawlid Al Nabawi Al-Sharif: 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal (likely evening of August 25 - Subject to the lunar calendar)
UAE Commemoration Day: 1 December
National Day: 2 and 3 December

On these UAE special days, public offices, federal organizations, government offices, and most private sector companies close. Most public holidays are accompanied by some sort of celebration, either within families or in public squares, monuments, and buildings.

National Holidays

The date of national holidays in the UAE is fixed by the government and corresponds to memorable events in the country's history or important days of each year. On these days, offices and businesses close in celebration.

New Year’s Day - January 1, 2026

New Year is probably a day celebrated worldwide as the first day of the new year in the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar adopted in most countries. On the 1st of January, people sleep in following the celebrations they took part in the night before as they bid farewell to the previous year and welcome a new one.

Some people decide to have lunch with their families on January 1st, as a way of celebration. In Dubai, many iconic celebrations are celebrated worldwide; this is one of the UAE's important days. Iconic fireworks at Burj Khalifa attract thousands to mark the beginning of the year.

UAE Commemoration Day - December 1, 2026

Previously known as Martyrs' Day, Commemoration Day in the United Arab Emirates recognizes the sacrifices of Emirati martyrs who served in the civil, military, and humanitarian fields. While Commemoration Day is observed on the 30th of November, the public holiday falls on the 1st of December.

This day is usually commemorated by a moment of silence at 11:00 AM to honor the sacrifices of UAE martyrs, while flags across the UAE are flown at half-mast. Flags are raised again at 11:31 AM.

UAE National Day - December 2 to 3, 2026

Recently dubbed as Eid al Etihad (meaning the Celebration of Unification), UAE National Day commemorated the day on which rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Al-Ain, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain agreed to unite, founding the United Arab Emirates, which coincided on 2 December 1971; and the following year, Ras Al-Khaimah joined the union.

Cultural performances, events, fireworks displays, and more are enjoyed by residents and expatriates on this day in various parts of the country.

Religious Holidays (Private Sector Holidays)

Unlike national holidays, religious holidays in the UAE celebrate the Islamic heritage of the country, marking important religious dates for Muslims. These days are determined based on the Hijri calendar, and some of them are decided based on lunar sightings, meaning when the crescent appears in the sky.

Eid Al Fitr - 20 to 22 March 2026

This holiday marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, as office hours are reduced for fasting employees. It is customary for those who aren’t fasting to avoid eating in public during fasting hours, out of respect for those who are fasting. The celebrations of Eid Al Fitr span over a few days as families gather for morning prayers at home or a mosque and then feast with loved ones. On this occasion, families exchange gifts and donate money and food to the less fortunate.

On Eid al-Fitr in Dubai, many bazaars and souks hold sales and events in celebration.

Arafat Day - 26 May 2026

The Day of Arafah, also known as Yawm Al-Waqf (the Day of the Standing), is one of the holiest days of the Islamic Hijri lunar calendar. It coincides with the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and is celebrated as a day of spiritual reflection, unity, and supplication.

Eid Al Adha - 27 to 29 May 2026

The Feast of Sacrifice or Eid al-Adha, is one of the two main festivals in Islam; the other one is Eid al-Fitr. It commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as commanded by Allah. Muslim families exchange gifts on this day and enjoy traditional feasts with neighbors and friends. Some also participate in philanthropic initiatives. It is also customary to slaughter sheep as sacrifices and distribute the meat to the needy.

In Dubai, decorations are hung everywhere, events are planned, and fireworks are organized all around the city.

Islamic New Year - 16 June 2026

The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, celebrates the beginning of another lunar year. It is set on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar. On this occasion, some people fast, attend prayers, feast, and spend time with their families.

Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday - 25 August 2026

This day celebrates the birth of the Prophet Mohammed (BPUH), which coincides with the 12th day of the Rabi’ Al-Awwal month in the lunar calendar. To celebrate this auspicious day, Muslims in the UAE attend mosque prayers where sermons are made; some undertake charitable acts, and some families gather to share traditional sweets and foods.

On this holiday, people visit sights such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Museum, or the Al Fahidi Historical District; go out to eat; or undertake other activities.

Other Important Dates/Days in UAE

Beyond public holidays, the UAE calendar features other important dates in the UAE that hold cultural, historical, or social value. Some of the most notable UAE

Flag Day (November 3): A symbolic observance where Emiratis raise the national flag in unity. Although not an official holiday, it is recognized as one of the special days in uae and often linked with the November special days in the UAE.
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF): A globally recognized retail and entertainment event that draws international visitors, making it one of the most important days on the cultural calendar in the UAE.
Sharjah International Book Fair: A major literary event that promotes cultural exchange and education, considered among the important dates in the UAE for knowledge and heritage.
International Expo & Cultural Anniversaries: Various expos and city-wide festivals are often marked as special days in the UAE, highlighting the country’s role as a global hub.

These observances enrich the year alongside official public holidays, ensuring there are always special days in the UAE to look forward to. Whether for planning cultural experiences, business activities, or family leisure, such important dates in the UAE provide opportunities for celebration and reflection

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are Islamic holidays determined in the UAE?

Islamic holidays in the UAE follow the lunar calendar and are set according to moon sightings. The religious figures of the country make astrological calculations and observe the sky, awaiting the crescent, which indicates the beginning of a new lunar month. The UAE holiday schedule includes both the national holidays and the Islamic holidays.

2. Are UAE public holidays the same across all emirates?

Yes, the UAE's important days are standardized across all emirates.

3. How can I plan vacations around UAE public holidays?

To make the best of your vacation days in the UAE, you can extend your break by bridging weekends and holidays. While national holidays are preset, Islamic ones are determined by moon sightings and have approximate dates.

4. Are weekends included in public holidays in the UAE?

Any public holiday that falls on the weekend, which is Saturday and Sunday in the UAE, is transferred to the following Monday. This allows UAE residents and nationals to enjoy the UAE celebration days to the fullest.

5. Do UAE private sector holidays differ from the public sector?

The Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 aims to unify public holiday policy. This Decree-Law aims to ensure that the employees of both the private and government sectors have the same holiday schedule, which promotes equality and inclusivity in the workplace.

6. What is the duration of the Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha holidays?

Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are both celebrated for 3 days each. In 2026, Eid al Adha along with the Day of Arafat will likely be celebrated from 26 to 29 May 2026 making it the longest holiday of the year. Eid Al Fitr from 20 to 22 March 2026.

7. Are there any holidays specific to certain Emirates?

All seven emirates celebrate the same Federal holidays in the UAE. As one of UAE Special Days, it reflects its leadership’s commitment to equality among all its residents.