If you are anything like I am, then you know how time flies. It feels like you just made New Year’s resolutions, and Eid-ul-Azha holiday plans and now you are wondering how the vacation days flew by so fast. That is why it is important to plan ahead – be it a vacation of your dreams, spending more time with your loved ones, or any other vacation plan.
Although the UAE has not yet officially confirmed the 2026 holidays, we have good forecasts according to the Islamic calendar and existing laws on holidays such as the UAE national day. Of course, we’ll all wait for the UAE Cabinet’s confirmation closer to the dates, but here’s what the year is expected to look like.
How Are UAE Public Holidays Decided?
The UAE has a mixture of two calendars in its public holidays:
- The Gregorian calendar – the one you use to work, go to school and book vacations.
- The Islamic Hijri calendar– this is a lunar calendar meaning that some of the holidays change each year according to the sightings of the moon.
That is why some fixed dates like New Year (January 1st) and UAE National Day (December 2nd) are easy to mark in your calendar. However, Islamic holidays such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are not confirmed until the moon is seen. Until that time, astronomers can provide us with fairly accurate predictions so that we can plan.
Predicted UAE Public Holidays in 2026
This is what 2026 is turning out to be:
- New Year’s Day – January 1 (Thursday)
- Eid Al Fitr – Predicted: March 20–22 (Friday to Sunday)
- Arafat Day – Predicted: May 26 (Tuesday)
- Eid Al Adha – Predicted: May 27–29 (Wednesday to Friday)
- Islamic New Year – Predicted: June 16 (Tuesday)
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) – Predicted: August 25 (Tuesday)
- UAE National Day – December 1 & 2 (Tuesday and Wednesday)
Which Holidays Depend On Moon?
The following holidays will only be confirmed after sighting of the moon in the UAE:
- Eid Al Fitr
- Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha
- Islamic New Year
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Birthday
Although the dates above are great for planning, always hold out for official announcements before making any bookings.
Long Weekends to Look Forward To
3-Day Weekend in March
The Eid Al Fitr is forecasted between Friday, March 20 and Sunday, March 22, which is an excellent time to spend with family or relax and get some rest.
Six-Day Stretch in May (Yes, Six!)
Here is the big one: Arafat Day (Tuesday, May 26), followed by Eid Al Adha (Wednesday to Friday, May 27-29), and then the weekend. Six days off running. Consider family vacations, international travel or finally ticking off that bucket list destination.
Midweek Breaks in June & August
You can take a midweek break as the Islamic New Year (June 16) and the Prophet’s Birthday (August 25) fall on a Tuesday. Not long weekends, but ideal to spend time with the family or short staycations. Mondays or Wednesdays are the best days to take off.
The UAE National Day in December
December 1 and 2 (Tuesday and Wednesday) are 2 days off to rejoice in the National Day of the UAE. and what will be the effect of adding Monday, November 30 to the official break? That is a 5-day holiday period just before the end of the year.
Do holidays shift in case they fall on the weekend?
Not always. UAE holidays are not automatically moved if they fall on weekends. The Cabinet occasionally intervenes to make breaks as maximum as possible. In 2026, the good news is that no single one of the forecasted holidays falls on a weekend day, so we’re all set to enjoy them fully.
Final Words: Start Planning Early
Surely, the above mentioned dates are predicted, but they are the best to use by those who want to take advantage of the best flight offers, family road trips, or staycation bookings. Wherever your dreams take you, whether it is lazy mornings, time with loved ones, or that big adventure abroad – 2026 has some great opportunities to recharge. So go on, write in those calendars and start planning.
