When is the next UAE public holiday?

Eid Al Adha looks set to be the longest UAE public holiday of 2026

Eid Al Fitr 2026 may only just be behind us, but if you’re thinking about when the next UAE public holiday is, then we’re here to give you the details.

The next long weekend will fall on the occasion of Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, which, combined, will offer the longest public holiday of 2026.

While the exact dates of Eid Al Adha 2026 are still dependent on the sighting of the moon, it’s predicted that Arafat Day will fall on Tuesday May 26, with Eid Al Adha from Wednesday May 27 until Friday May 29.

For those with a typical Saturday-Sunday weekend, that would mean six days off. Those savvy with their annual leave dates could also take one day of leave on Monday May 25 and enjoy a nine-day break, with a weekend either side.

What is Eid Al Adha?

According to tradition, Eid Al Adha is held to honour Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, after being instructed to do so by God. Prophet Ibrahim told his son of the dream, and the son then told his father to follow the order. But God intervened, sending a sheep to take his son’s place.

Full list of UAE public holidays for 2026

After Eid Al Adha, there are a number of public holidays still to come. Following the long Eid break, the next UAE public holiday will fall on the occasion of Islamic New Year, followed by Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) and Eid Al Etihad, formerly known as National Day, all set to give us extra days off.

Here is the full list of predicted UAE public holidays for 2026: