3 January, 2026, 12:42 pm | Dubai | Updated: 11 Jan 2026 at 10:46 am
Back to reality after celebrating the spectacular New Year holidays? And already thinking about “When is the next holiday?” You are not alone, as the search for the UAE Public Holidays 2026 calendar and public holidays Dubai 2026 has already started trending, with residents wanting to plan for leave, travel, and family time. The good news is that the year is packed with multiple holidays. Today, we will share with you the list of holidays based on predictions and official laws.
UAE Public Holidays 2026: Full Predicted List
Residents across the country can expect at least 12 public holidays in 2026. Final confirmed dates will be confirmed closer to each occasion (especially Islamic holidays). However, astronomical predictions give a reliable planning roadmap.
Predicted UAE public holidays in 2026
- January 1 (Thursday): New Year’s Day
- March 20–22 (Friday–Sunday): Eid Al Fitr
- May 26 (Tuesday): Arafat Day
- May 27–29 (Wednesday–Friday): Eid Al Adha
- June 15 (Monday): Islamic New Year (holiday likely moved from June 16)
- August 24 (Monday): Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
- December 2–3 (Wednesday–Thursday): Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)
It is important to note that Islamic holidays follow the Hijri (Lunar) calendar. Thus, dates might be shifted by a day based on moon sightings.
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Eid Al Fitr 2026 in the UAE
Eid Al Fitr 2026 in the UAE is one of the most-awaited holidays of the year. However, it is expected to fall from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 22. The occasion marks the end of Ramadan and is likely to give residents a three-day long weekend. Hence, it will be perfect for brief trips or a family celebration.
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UAE Public Holidays 2026 Calendar
2026 gives many excellent opportunities for extended breaks if you are strategic with your leave. Long weekends to plan for in 2026: below is the list of those chances:
Eid Al Fitr
- March 20–22 (Fri–Sun)
- Natural three-day weekend
Eid Al Adha & Arafat Day
- Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29
- Combine with the weekend for up to six days off
Eid Al Etihad (National Day)
- Wednesday–Thursday, December 2–3
- Take Friday off to create a four-day break
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How Holidays in UAE Are Decided
It is important to learn about holidays in UAE 2026 for smarter planning. Below is a quick overview of how these holidays work:
Fixed Gregorian holidays
- Same date every year
- Examples: New Year’s Day, National Day
Lunar-based Islamic holidays
- Based on moon sightings
- Examples: Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year
Important rules to know
- Some holidays (except Eid) may be moved to create long weekends
- Holidays are not carried forward if they fall on weekends
- Local governments may announce additional holidays
School Holidays in the UAE 2026
School calendars also matter as much as public holidays if you are planning family travel. Here is the quick overview of the school holiday calendars:
MOE curriculum schools
- Winter break: Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
- Spring break & Eid Al Fitr: Mar 16–29, 2026
- Mid-term & Eid Al Adha: May 25–29, 2026
- Hijri New Year: June 17, 2026
- Summer break: From July 18, 2026
Dubai private schools (KHDA)
- Winter break: Dec 15 – Jan 5
- Spring break: Mar 16 – Mar 30
- Academic year end: March 3 or March 30 (varies by school)
Maximise Your UAE Holidays in 2026
You can turn just 9 leave days into up to 38 days off by aligning annual leave with the public holidays and weekends with smart planning. This makes 2026 ideal for international travel, staycations, or extended family time.
Plan Ahead for 2026
Knowing the UAE public holidays 2026 calendar helps you plan better, save leave days, and make the most of every break. Hence, this year is expected to be a great year for work-life balance in the UAE.
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