With less than two weeks left before we enter 2026, we might as well plan those staycations ahead. As an Islamic country, most public holidays in the UAE will be tied to the Islamic calendar, which follows the lunar cycle. So every year, the UAE Cabinet officially announces how many days off the private and public sectors will get. While the Cabinet hasn’t made an announcement yet, we can take an educated guess on some of these holidays.
New Year’s Day
An obvious one for most, Thursday, January 1, will be a public holiday for all, while Wednesday, December 31, will be filled with fireworks, performances, parties, and other NYE celebrations.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. While the exact dates are subject to moon sightings, reports suggest that we will be seeing a three-day long weekend from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22.
Arafat Day
Again, subject to moon sightings, Arafat Day is a pivotal moment in Islam and its calendar. Taking place right before Eid Al Adha, it commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Farewell Sermon on Mount Arafat. According to reports, the day will be Tuesday, May 26, and will be spent in prayers and spiritual reflection.
Eid Al Adha
The second Eid that is celebrated on the Islamic calendar, it is another holiday dependent on moon sightings. However, according to reports, we can expect Eid Al Adha to take place from Wednesday, May 27 till Friday, May 29. Combined with Arafat Day and the public is potentially looking at a six-day long weekend.
Islamic New Year
Subject to moon sightings, predictions for this holiday is Tuesday, June 16. However, reports predict that the holiday will be moved up to Monday, June 15, to allow a long weekend.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
Similar to the Islamic New Year, the official holiday for the Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday will depend on moon sightings. The holiday is predicted to fall on Tuesday, August 25, and reports suggest that the official public holiday will be moved up to Monday, August 24.
Eid Al Etihad
Celebrating the union of the UAE, Eid Al Etihad takes place every year on December 2-3. The country also honours Emirati martyrs on December 1, known as Commemoration Day, but according to reports, the day off this year will be aligned with Eid Al Etihad. However, official ceremonies honouring those who have fallen will take place on December 1.
