There’s just one UAE public holiday left in 2026 – when is it?
The UAE public holidays calendar for 2026 is almost complete
With just one final break left to look forward to. Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day, will mark the country’s final public holiday of the year. Here’s when it falls and what to know about the days off.
When is the last UAE public holiday of 2026?
The final public holiday of 2026 will be Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day.
The official National Day dates are Wednesday December 2 and Thursday December 3, 2026. However, the days off could still be moved to the beginning or end of the week if the UAE Cabinet announces a transfer.
Eid Al Etihad marks the unification of the seven emirates in 1971 and is celebrated across the UAE with cultural events, entertainment, fireworks and other festivities.
Will the UAE National Day holiday be a long weekend?
As it stands, December 2 and 3 fall on a Wednesday and Thursday, so the two-day public holiday does not create a long weekend on its own.
However, under UAE Cabinet rules, eligible public holidays can be transferred to the beginning or end of the week through an official decision. National Day is eligible for this transfer, so residents will need to wait for any official announcement before knowing whether the holiday will be extended into a longer break.
What are the UAE public holidays in 2027?
If you’re already planning your holidays for next year, the 2027 UAE public holiday calendar is also taking shape.
While New Year’s Day and Eid Al Etihad have fixed Gregorian dates, Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar and their exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon. The following dates are therefore expected dates and are subject to official confirmation.
New Year’s Day
Friday January 1, 2027
Eid Al Fitr
Expected: Wednesday March 10 to Friday March 12
The exact dates will depend on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. Eid Al Fitr can also include an additional public holiday depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
Arafat Day
Expected: Saturday May 15
Eid Al Adha
Expected: Sunday May 16 to Tuesday May 18
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha are expected to create a four-day holiday period from Saturday May 15 to Tuesday May 18, subject to confirmation.
Islamic New Year
Expected: Monday June 7
The Islamic New Year is expected to fall on Sunday June 6, although the public holiday may be moved to Monday June 7 if an official decision is made.
The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH)
Expected: Monday August 16
The date is subject to moon sighting and any official decision regarding the transfer of a holiday that falls on a weekend.
Eid Al Etihad (National Day)
Thursday December 2 and Friday December 3
The final public holiday of 2027 is expected to fall on a Thursday and Friday, meaning residents could have a four-day break when the weekend is included.
Please note: Islamic holiday dates are predictions based on astronomical calculations and the Hijri calendar. The official UAE public holiday dates will be confirmed closer to each occasion following the sighting of the moon.
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