United Arab Emirates
Public Holidays 2026
A comprehensive guide to all federally recognized public holidays across the UAE’s 7 Emirates, including Islamic calendar observances.
2026 UAE Federal HolidaysComplete List
| # | Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 – January to March | ||||
| 1 | New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | – |
| 2 | Eid al-Fitr | March 20, 2026 | Friday | Tentative – 3 days |
| 3 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Tentative |
| 4 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | March 22, 2026 | Sunday | Tentative |
| Q2 – April to June | ||||
| 5 | Arafat Day | May 26, 2026 | Tuesday | Tentative |
| 6 | Eid al-Adha | May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Tentative – 3 days |
| 7 | Eid al-Adha Holiday | May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Tentative |
| 8 | Eid al-Adha Holiday | May 29, 2026 | Friday | Tentative – Extended |
| 9 | Islamic New Year | June 17, 2026 | Wednesday | Tentative |
| Q3 – July to September | ||||
| 10 | Prophet’s Birthday | August 26, 2026 | Wednesday | Tentative |
| Q4 – October to December | ||||
| 11 | Commemoration Day | November 30, 2026 | Monday | – |
| 12 | UAE National Day | December 2, 2026 | Wednesday | – |
| 13 | UAE National Day Holiday | December 3, 2026 | Thursday | – |
New Year’s Day
The first day of the Gregorian calendar year is celebrated as a public holiday across the UAE, marking the beginning of a new year with festivities, fireworks, and celebrations across all seven Emirates.
CelebrationEid al-Fitr
عيد الفطر
The Festival of Breaking the Fast marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, festive meals, and gift-giving. The UAE typically grants 3-4 days of public holidays for this joyous occasion.
Islamic HolidayArafat Day
يوم عرفة
The day of Hajj pilgrimage when pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat near Mecca. It is considered one of the holiest days in Islam and observed as a public holiday in the UAE with prayers and reflection.
Islamic HolidayEid al-Adha
عيد الأضحى
The Festival of Sacrifice commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Celebrated with prayers, animal sacrifice (Qurbani), charity, and family feasts. The UAE observes 3-4 days of public holidays, making it one of the most significant Islamic celebrations.
Islamic HolidayIslamic New Year
رأس السنة الهجرية
Also known as Al-Hijra, this marks the beginning of the new year in the Islamic lunar calendar, commemorating Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. Observed with prayers and reflection.
Islamic HolidayProphet’s Birthday
المولد النبوي
Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Observed with special prayers, religious lectures, and gatherings to honor the Prophet’s life and teachings.
Islamic HolidayCommemoration Day
يوم الشهيد
Also known as Martyrs’ Day, this solemn occasion honors the sacrifices of Emirati martyrs who gave their lives in service to the UAE. Observed with flag ceremonies, moments of silence, and commemorative events across the nation.
RemembranceUAE National Day
العيد الوطني لدولة الإمارات
The most important national celebration commemorating the unification of the seven Emirates on December 2, 1971, forming the United Arab Emirates. Celebrated with spectacular fireworks, parades, air shows, cultural performances, and patriotic displays across all Emirates. The UAE flag colors of green, white, black, and red adorn buildings and streets nationwide.
National DayIslamic Calendar Holidays
Most UAE public holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri calendar), which is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
- Dates are tentative and subject to official moon sighting
- Final confirmation typically comes 1-2 days before the holiday
- Islamic holidays shift earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar
- Multi-day holidays may be extended based on official announcements
Major Islamic Celebrations
The UAE observes two major Eids and other significant Islamic occasions with public holidays.
- Eid al-Fitr: 3-4 days celebrating the end of Ramadan
- Eid al-Adha: 3-4 days during the Hajj pilgrimage season
- Arafat Day: Day before Eid al-Adha
- Islamic New Year: Marks the Hijri calendar new year
- Prophet’s Birthday: Celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s birth
National Holidays
The UAE celebrates fixed-date national holidays that honor the nation’s history and heroes.
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (Gregorian calendar)
- Commemoration Day: November 30 (Martyrs’ Day)
- National Day: December 2-3 (Union Day)
- National holidays apply to all 7 Emirates
Holiday Planning Tips
Plan your year with these helpful notes about UAE public holidays in 2026.
- Total of 14+ public holiday days throughout the year
- Private sector may have different holiday schedules
- Some businesses may close during Ramadan with modified hours
- Check official UAE government announcements for confirmations
- Extended weekends possible with Eid and National Day holidays
