DUBAI – As people across the world are all set to ring in the New Year, a schedule of expected public holidays for 2026 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has surfaced.
Due to the Islamic lunar calendar, the exact dates for Islamic holidays can vary, but estimates suggest 12 official holidays for UAE residents in 2026.
New Year 2026 Public Holiday
The first holiday of the year will be on January 1, marking New Year’s Day, across the UAE.
Following this, Eidul Fitr is expected to have a three-day holiday starting from 1st Shawwal, while Eidul Azha will bring another three-day break starting from 9th Zul-Hijjah.
The Day of Arafat will be observed on 10th Zul-Hijjah, and other key holidays include 1st Muharram (Islamic New Year), 12th Rabi al-Awwal (Mawlid al-Nabi), and the UAE National Day on December 2nd and 3rd.
Despite the varying dates for Islamic holidays due to lunar sightings, residents can expect a long weekend of six days in 2026, offering ample time for travel and family gatherings.
Public transport schedules and parking charges are also expected to be adjusted during major public holidays.
Recently, UAE observed public holidays for 54th Eid Al Etihad on December 1-2, 2025. To mark the 54th Eid Al Etihad, the UAE had declared December 1–2, 2025 as paid holidays for all private-sector employees.
