Planning your holidays for 2027? While the UAE government has not yet officially announced the public holiday calendar, astronomical calculations provide a reliable indication of when residents can expect national holidays and potential long weekends.
From New Year’s Day and Eid Al Fitr to National Day, the 2027 calendar offers several opportunities to plan family holidays, international travel, or well-deserved staycations.
It’s important to note that while fixed-date holidays remain unchanged each year, Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri lunar calendar and will only be officially confirmed following moon sightings announced by the UAE authorities. Here’s a complete guide to the expected UAE public holidays for 2027.
UAE Public Holidays 2027 at a Glance
| Holiday | Expected Date* | Status |
| New Year’s Day | Friday, January 1 | Fixed date |
| Eid Al Fitr | Expected around early February | Subject to moon sighting |
| Arafat Day | Expected around early May | Subject to moon sighting |
| Eid Al Adha | Expected around early May | Subject to moon sighting |
| Islamic New Year | Expected around early June | Subject to moon sighting |
| Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday | Expected around mid-August | Subject to moon sighting |
| UAE National Day | Thursday, December 2 and Friday, December 3 | Fixed dates |
*Expected dates are based on astronomical calculations and may change following official moon-sighting announcements.
Which UAE Public Holidays Are Fixed?
Some public holidays fall on the same date every year on the Gregorian calendar, making them easier to plan for well in advance.
These include:
- New Year’s Day – January 1
- UAE National Day – December 2 and December 3
Because these holidays are fixed, residents can confidently book annual leave, flights, and hotel stays months in advance.
Which Holidays Depend on Moon Sightings?
Several UAE public holidays follow the Islamic Hijri calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar.
These include:
- Eid Al Fitr
- Arafat Day
- Eid Al Adha
- Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
As the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, the exact dates are confirmed only after the official moon sighting. This means the expected dates published each year may shift by a day depending on the lunar observation.
Expected Long Weekends in 2027
Although the final calendar will depend on official announcements, several holidays could create long weekends for residents.
New Year’s Day
Since January 1 falls on a Friday, many residents can expect a three-day weekend.
Eid Al Fitr
Depending on the official moon sighting and government announcement, Eid Al Fitr is expected to provide one of the year’s longest public holidays, making it a popular period for overseas travel and family gatherings.
Eid Al Adha
The Eid Al Adha break traditionally includes Arafat Day followed by several days of Eid celebrations, offering another extended holiday for residents.
UAE National Day
National Day celebrations on December 2 and 3 are expected to create another long weekend, depending on how the dates align with the weekend and any additional government announcements.
Why These Dates Matter
Knowing the expected public holiday calendar can help residents plan ahead by:
- Booking international flights before prices increase
- Planning family holidays and staycations
- Scheduling annual leave more efficiently
- Organising weddings, celebrations, and family visits
- Preparing business travel around holiday periods
Many travellers begin making bookings months in advance, especially for Eid holidays, when demand for flights and hotels tends to rise significantly.
Tips for Planning Your Annual Leave
Although the official calendar has yet to be confirmed, planning ahead can help you make the most of your annual leave.
Consider:
- Booking refundable flights if travelling during Islamic holidays.
- Waiting for official announcements before confirming non-refundable travel.
- Combining annual leave with long weekends to maximise your time off.
- Monitoring airline promotions released ahead of major holiday periods.
Do Public Holidays Apply to Everyone?
Public holidays announced by the UAE government generally apply to both the public and private sectors. However, official confirmation of holiday dates and durations is issued closer to each occasion, particularly for holidays based on the Islamic calendar.
Employees should also check with their employer, as operational requirements may vary in certain industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the UAE public holiday dates for 2027 official?
No. At the time of writing, the dates are based on astronomical calculations. Islamic holidays remain subject to official moon-sighting announcements.
Why do Eid dates change every year?
Eid follows the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is based on lunar months. As a result, the corresponding Gregorian dates change each year.
Which holidays have fixed dates?
New Year’s Day (January 1) and UAE National Day (December 2 and 3) are fixed on the Gregorian calendar.
Will the private sector receive the same holidays?
In most cases, yes. The UAE government generally announces public holidays that apply to both the public and private sectors.
When will the official holiday dates be announced?
The UAE government typically confirms Islamic holiday dates shortly before each occasion following the official moon sighting.
Final Thoughts
While the official UAE Public Holiday Calendar 2027 is still to be confirmed, the expected dates provide residents with a useful guide for planning holidays, annual leave, and travel throughout the year.
Because Islamic holidays depend on the lunar calendar, it’s always advisable to wait for official government announcements before making final travel arrangements. Keeping an eye on updates will help you avoid changes while making the most of the UAE’s public holidays and long weekends in 2027.
