UAE public holidays 2027 are not as generous as they look on paper. With the Saturday and Sunday weekend, three of the expected holidays, Arafat Day, the Islamic New Year and the Prophet’s Birthday, are likely to land on a weekend. That means fewer extra weekdays off than the list suggests, unless the Cabinet moves some of them.
This guide lists every UAE holiday for 2027, flags the ones at risk of falling on a weekend, and shows how to use your annual leave to get the longest breaks possible.
Quick answer: The UAE is expected to have around 12 public holiday days in 2027. Eid Al Fitr is expected around 9 to 11 March, Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha around 15 to 18 May, and Eid Al Etihad on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 December. Islamic dates are expected and will be confirmed by moon sighting.
UAE public holidays 2027: full list
| Holiday | Date in 2027 | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Friday 1 January | Fixed |
| Eid Al Fitr (3 days) | Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 March, or Wednesday 10 to Friday 12 March | Expected, depends on moon sighting |
| Arafat Day | Saturday 15 May | Expected, depends on moon sighting, falls on a weekend |
| Eid Al Adha (3 days) | Sunday 16 to Tuesday 18 May | Expected, depends on moon sighting |
| Islamic New Year | Sunday 6 June | Expected, depends on moon sighting, falls on a weekend |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Saturday 14 or Sunday 15 August | Expected, depends on moon sighting, falls on a weekend |
| Eid Al Etihad (National Day, 2 days) | Thursday 2 and Friday 3 December | Fixed |
Islamic holiday dates are expected, based on astronomical calculations, and will be updated when official announcements are made.
Read More: UAE National Day Holidays 2026: How to Plan 9 Days Off With 3 Leave Days
Which UAE holidays fall on weekends in 2027?
Based on astronomical calculations, three holidays are likely to fall on a Saturday or Sunday:
- Arafat Day on Saturday 15 May
- Islamic New Year on Sunday 6 June
- Prophet’s Birthday on Saturday 14 or Sunday 15 August
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the Cabinet can move any public holiday except the Eid holidays to the beginning or end of the week. Whether it does so for 2027 has not been announced, and a holiday falling on a weekend is not automatically replaced with a weekday off.
Long weekends in the UAE in 2027
- New Year: Friday 1 January joins the weekend for a three-day break.
- Eid Al Fitr: a Tuesday to Thursday Eid gives five days off if you take Friday as leave.
- Eid Al Adha: Saturday to Tuesday gives four days off with no leave needed.
- Eid Al Etihad: Thursday and Friday join the weekend for a four-day break.
The UAE 2027 leave plan: 9 leave days, 31 days off
| Break | Leave days to take | Total days off |
|---|---|---|
| Eid Al Fitr: Sat 6 to Sun 14 March | 2 (Mon 8 and Fri 12 March) | 9 |
| Eid Al Adha: Sat 15 to Sun 23 May | 3 (Wed 19 to Fri 21 May) | 9 |
| National Day: Sat 27 Nov to Sun 5 Dec | 3 (Mon 29 Nov to Wed 1 Dec) | 9 |
| New Year: Thu 31 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan | 1 (Thu 31 Dec 2026) | 4 |
The Eid Al Fitr plan assumes Eid starts on Tuesday 9 March. If it starts on Wednesday 10 March, take Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 March instead. Either way, you get nine days. Remember that Eid dates may move by a day after the moon sighting, so book flexible tickets.
Read More: Ramadan 2027 UAE Timetable: Dubai Suhoor and Iftar Times
Pro Tip: Submit your leave request for the Eid Al Adha week early. With Arafat Day falling on a Saturday, many colleagues will try to take the same three days, and managers usually approve on a first-come basis.
Our Take
2027 is a weaker year for UAE public holidays because of the weekend clashes. The good news is that both Eids and National Day still fall well, and with nine leave days you can build three separate nine-day breaks. If the Cabinet moves any of the weekend holidays, treat it as a bonus.
FAQs
How many public holidays does the UAE have in 2027?
The UAE is expected to have around 12 public holiday days in 2027, though some are likely to fall on weekends.
When is Eid Al Fitr 2027 in the UAE?
Eid Al Fitr is expected to start on Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 March 2027, depending on moon sighting.
When is Eid Al Adha 2027 in the UAE?
Arafat Day is expected on Saturday 15 May, with Eid Al Adha from Sunday 16 to Tuesday 18 May 2027.
Do UAE employees get another day off if a holiday falls on a weekend?
Not automatically. The Cabinet can move non-Eid holidays to the start or end of the week, but this is decided case by case.
Are the UAE 2027 holiday dates official?
Fixed holidays are set by law. Islamic holiday dates are expected and will be confirmed closer to each date.
