By Staff Reporter
Dubai: The UAE has yet to officially announce its public holidays for 2026. However, the updated public holiday law, along with projected Islamic Hijri calendar dates, offers a reliable guide to the expected days off.
The country celebrates a combination of national, religious, and historical holidays. While the exact dates for Islamic holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha depend on moon sightings and are confirmed closer to the time, astronomers have forecast likely dates for 2026 to help residents plan in advance. These estimates follow the UAE’s holiday structure and are based on Hijri–Gregorian date conversions for 1447–1448 AH.
When is the next public holiday in the UAE? Here’s what’s left in 2025
In 2026, residents can look forward to at least 12 official public holidays, with the potential for a six-day long weekend, depending on how the lunar calendar aligns
While dates for Islamic holidays remain subject to lunar observations, here’s a look at what’s still to come in 2025, along with early predictions for 2026.
As the year winds down, UAE residents have just a couple of public holidays left to enjoy before 2025 ends. The upcoming break offers a chance to unwind and plan a mini getaway.
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) – Tuesday-Wednesday, December 2–3
This mid-week holiday marks UAE National Day and could form an extended four-day weekend when combined with Commemoration Day, which is typically observed on December 1.
Holiday rules
According to Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the UAE Cabinet can move public holidays to the start or end of the week to create longer breaks, as long as they don’t coincide with another holiday or fall on a weekend.
