UAE public holidays still to come in 2026
We’ve already ticked off a few public holidays this year, and after the March break for Eid Al Fitr, there’s more to look forward to. From May onwards, the UAE calendar brings a run of long weekends and key dates – the perfect excuse to plan trips, book staycations or simply make the most of your time off. Here’s how to get ahead and make the most of the remaining public holidays in 2026.
Key dates to know for the rest of 2026
- May 26: Arafat Day
- May 27 to May 29: Eid Al Adha
- June 15: Islamic New Year
- August 24: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
- December 2 to 3: Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)
Long weekends to look forwrard to
Eid Al Fitr 2026
- Dates: Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22
- Marks the end of Ramadan and could give a three-day weekend
Eid Al Adha 2026
- Dates: Tuesday, May 26 – Sunday, May 31
- One of the biggest Islamic holidays. Combine with weekends for up to six days off
Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) 2026
- Dates: Wednesday, December 2 – Thursday, 3 December
- Midweek holiday, but a long weekend is possible if you take Friday off
Keep in mind: Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, so final dates are confirmed closer to the day.
How UAE public holidays are determined
There are two types of holidays in the UAE:
Fixed Gregorian holidays
- Same date every year (e.g., New Year’s Day, National Day)
Lunar-based Islamic holidays
- Dates change each year based on the Hijri calendar and crescent moon sightings (e.g., Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha)
Rules you should know
- Some holidays can be shifted to the start or end of the week to create longer breaks, except for Eid holidays
- If a holiday lands on a weekend or overlaps another holiday, it doesn’t get carried forward
- Local governments may declare extra holidays for special occasions
School holidays 2026
- Winter: December 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Spring & Eid Al Fitr: March 16 to 29, 2026
- Mid-term & Eid Al Adha: May 25 to 29, 2026
- Hijri New Year: June 17, 2026
- Summer Break (staff/admin): From July 18, 2026
Images: What’s On archive
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