Public holidays
United Arab Emirates · 2026
7 public holidays observed in United Arab Emirates during 2026. 2 school breaks shape travel demand. 6 long weekend opportunities.
Next holiday
Hijri New Year
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
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All 2026 holidays
7 totalListCalendar
January 2026
- Jan1New Year's Day
Thursday
March 2026
- Mar20
Eid al-Fitr
Friday
May 2026
- May26
Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha
Tuesday
June 2026
- Jun16Hijri New Year
Tuesday
August 2026
- Aug25
Prophet's Birthday
Tuesday
December 2026
- Dec2National Day
Wednesday
- Dec3
National Day (Day 2)
Thursday
LegendPublic holidayBridge day opportunityWeekend
January 2026
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1New Year's Day🌉 4d
2Bridge day → New Year's Day
February 2026
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March 2026
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20Eid al-Fitr📅 3d
April 2026
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May 2026
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26Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha🌉 4d
25Bridge day → Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha
June 2026
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16Hijri New Year🌉 4d
15Bridge day → Hijri New Year
July 2026
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August 2026
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25Prophet's Birthday🌉 4d
24Bridge day → Prophet's Birthday
September 2026
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October 2026
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November 2026
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December 2026
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2National Day
3National Day (Day 2)🌉 4d
4Bridge day → National Day (Day 2)
✨
Long weekend opportunities
Smart windows to maximize your time off.
New Year's Day
Jan 1 – 4
4days off
Thu1★
Fri2↓ off
Sat3·
Sun4·
Take 1 day off → 4-day weekend
Eid al-Fitr
Mar 20 – 22
3days off
Fri20★
Sat21·
Sun22·
Falls naturally on a weekend.
Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha
May 23 – 26
4days off
Sat23·
Sun24·
Mon25↓ off
Tue26★
Take 1 day off → 4-day weekend
Hijri New Year
Jun 13 – 16
4days off
Sat13·
Sun14·
Mon15↓ off
Tue16★
Take 1 day off → 4-day weekend
Prophet's Birthday
Aug 22 – 25
4days off
Sat22·
Sun23·
Mon24↓ off
Tue25★
Take 1 day off → 4-day weekend
National Day
Dec 2 – 6
5days off
Wed2★
Thu3★
Fri4↓ off
Sat5·
Sun6·
Take 1 day off → 5-day weekend
✨
Plan your next long weekend
Choose a domestic or international Beevago pick for each upcoming break.
🎓
School holidays 2026
When schools are closed — peak travel demand from families.
Dec8
Winter Break
Dec 8 – Jan 4 · 28 days
Mar16–29
Spring Break
Mar 16–29 · 14 days
Inspiration
Travel to United Arab Emirates
Guides and itineraries for popular destinations across United Arab Emirates.
⚠️
Important public holiday information · United Arab Emirates
General information
- •With the exception of Eid holidays, the Cabinet may transfer any public holiday to the beginning or end of the week. A public holiday cannot be transferred if it coincides with another public holiday or falls on the weekend.
- •If Ramadan completes 30 days, the 30th day of Ramadan is added as an official holiday to the Eid Al-Fitr holiday period (making it 4 days total).
- •All Islamic holidays are officially announced based on moon sighting by UAE authorities. Actual dates may differ from estimates by 1-2 days.
Frequently asked questions
What are the public holidays in United Arab Emirates in 2026?
United Arab Emirates observes 7 public holidays in 2026, including New Year's Day (January 1, 2026), Eid al-Fitr (March 20, 2026), Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha (May 26, 2026), Hijri New Year (June 16, 2026), Prophet's Birthday (August 25, 2026). See the full list above for exact dates.
How many public holidays does United Arab Emirates have in 2026?
United Arab Emirates observes 7 national public holidays in 2026. Some regions may add additional regional holidays on top.
When is New Year's Day in United Arab Emirates 2026?
New Year's Day in United Arab Emirates falls on January 1, 2026.
When is Eid al-Fitr in United Arab Emirates 2026?
Eid al-Fitr in United Arab Emirates falls on March 20, 2026.
When is Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha in United Arab Emirates 2026?
Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha in United Arab Emirates falls on May 26, 2026.
When is Hijri New Year in United Arab Emirates 2026?
Hijri New Year in United Arab Emirates falls on June 16, 2026.
When is Prophet's Birthday in United Arab Emirates 2026?
Prophet's Birthday in United Arab Emirates falls on August 25, 2026.
When is National Day in United Arab Emirates 2026?
National Day in United Arab Emirates falls on December 2, 2026.
When is National Day (Day 2) in United Arab Emirates 2026?
National Day (Day 2) in United Arab Emirates falls on December 3, 2026.
What happens when a public holiday falls on a weekend in United Arab Emirates?
Most public holidays in United Arab Emirates are observed only on the exact date. Some countries grant a substitute weekday off when a holiday lands on a Saturday or Sunday — check the notes for each holiday above.
Are banks closed on public holidays in United Arab Emirates?
Yes — most banks, public administration offices, and the stock exchange close on national public holidays. Some retail and tourism businesses stay open.
What is a "bridge day"?
A bridge day is a regular working day that falls between a public holiday and a weekend (e.g. a Friday after a Thursday holiday). Many people take this day off to extend the long weekend without using extra vacation.
Are these dates official for United Arab Emirates?
Dates are sourced from official government publications and the relevant ministries. Always confirm regional and local observances closer to your travel date — especially for substitute holidays and bank-only days.