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Planning work, travel, or family time in the UAE is easier when you know the official holidays in advance. This complete guide to public holidays UAE 2026 covers confirmed and expected dates, month-wise breakdowns, and rules for the private sector as per MOHRE.
Whether you live in the UAE or plan to visit, this article gives you the public holidays UAE 2026 list, calendar view, and helpful tips to make the most of long weekends.
Why Public Holidays Matter in the UAE
Public holidays in the UAE are announced by the government and apply to:
- Government employees
- Public holidays UAE 2026 private sector staff
- Schools and universities
- Banks and financial institutions
Most holidays are observed nationwide, while Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting.
Public Holidays UAE 2026 List (Expected)
Below is the public holidays UAE 2026 list based on official announcements and Islamic calendar estimates. Final confirmation is issued by UAE authorities.
| Holiday | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 |
| Eid Al Fitr | Late March / Early April 2026 |
| Arafat Day | Late May / Early June 2026 |
| Eid Al Adha | Early June 2026 |
| Islamic New Year | Mid June 2026 |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Late August 2026 |
| Commemoration Day | 1 December 2026 |
| UAE National Day | 2–3 December 2026 |
Public Holidays UAE 2026 Calendar (Month-wise)
Here is a simple public holidays UAE 2026 calendar overview to help with planning.
Public Holidays UAE 2026 February
- No major public holidays expected
- Ideal month for uninterrupted work schedules
Public Holidays UAE 2026 March
- Eid ul Fitr likely begins at the end of March
- One of the most awaited holidays of the year
Note: Dates depend on moon sighting.
Public Holidays UAE 2026 April
- Eid Al Fitr holidays may continue into early April
- Schools and offices usually get 2–4 days off
Public Holidays UAE 2026 May
- Mostly a working month
- Preparations for Eid Al Adha begin
Public Holidays UAE 2026 Jun
June is one of the busiest months for holidays.
Expected holidays:
- Arafat Day
- Eid Al Adha
- Islamic New Year
This makes public holidays UAE 2026 Jun perfect for long vacations.
Public Holidays UAE 2026 July
- No official public holidays
- Peak summer working month
Public Holidays UAE 2026 August
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH)
- One-day public holiday
This is the main highlight of public holidays UAE 2026 August.
Public Holidays UAE 2026 September
- No expected public holidays
- Business-as-usual month
Public Holidays UAE 2026 October
- No major holidays announced
- Ideal time for corporate planning
Public Holidays UAE 2026 November
- No public holidays expected
- Short working month before National Day
Public Holidays UAE 2026 December
December is the most festive month.
Holidays include:
- Commemoration Day – 1 December
- UAE National Day – 2 & 3 December
This makes public holidays UAE 2026 December perfect for travel and celebrations.
Public Holidays UAE 2026 Dates – Important Notes
- Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting
- Dates may shift by 1 day
- Official confirmation is issued close to the holiday
Always check government announcements for final public holidays UAE 2026 dates.
Public Holidays UAE 2026 Private Sector (MOHRE)
According to public holidays UAE 2026 MOHRE guidelines:
- Private sector employees are entitled to the same official holidays
- Employers must grant paid leave
- If work is required, compensatory leave or overtime applies
MOHRE ensures fair implementation across private companies.
Tips to Maximize Public Holidays in UAE 2026
- Combine annual leave with Eid holidays
- Plan travel during June & December
- Watch for long weekend announcements
- Follow MOHRE updates for private sector rules
FAQs – Public Holidays UAE 2026
Are public holidays same for private sector?
Yes, as per MOHRE, most holidays apply to both sectors.
Are Eid holidays confirmed?
They are tentative until moon sighting.
How many public holidays are in UAE 2026?
Around 12–14 days, depending on Eid duration.
Do schools follow the same holidays?
Mostly yes, but school calendars may vary.
Conclusion
The public holidays UAE 2026 calendar offers many chances to relax, travel, and celebrate national and religious events. From Eid holidays to UAE National Day, knowing the public holidays UAE 2026 list helps you plan smarter.
For accurate planning, always check official government updates—especially for Islamic holidays. With the right planning, 2026 can be a year full of well-timed breaks and memorable moments in the UAE.
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