Ready to make 2026 your best travel year yet? With a little bit of planning and some smart leave booking, you can turn just 10 days of annual leave into a whopping 36 days off! I’m not kidding, don’t worry I’ve laid it all out clear as day for you to see. Come with me, and let’s find out how many getaways you’ll be scoring in 2026.
Also read: Predictions For UAE’s 2026 Public Holidays – How Many Long Weekends Will There Be?
When To Take Your PTO Days Off In 2026
1. New Year’s Kickoff – 4 Days Off
Public Holiday: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Take Leave On: Friday, January 2 = 1 PTO used
Start the year on a high! By booking just one day off on Friday, you’ll score a four-day weekend right at the beginning of the year. Perfect for a quick staycation, road trip, or simply doing absolutely nothing (guilt-free).
You’ll get holiday from Thursday, January 1st, 2026 – Sunday, January 4th, 2026.
2. Eid Al Fitr – 5 Days Off
Expected Dates: Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22
Take Leave On: Thursday, March 19 and Monday, March 23 = 2 PTO used
Eid Al Fitr 2026 could be your first big getaway of the year. With just two leave days, you can enjoy a five-day break! Think beach resorts, family trips, or even a little adventure abroad.
You’ll get holiday from Thursday, March 19th, 2026 – Monday, March 23rd, 2026.
3. Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha – 9 Days Off
Expected Dates: Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29
Take Leave On: Monday, May 25 = 1 PTO used
By taking just one day off, you could unlock a nine-day holiday including weekends. That’s an entire week to explore, unwind, and reset. Ideal for that long-awaited trip you’ve been saving up for.
You’ll get holiday from Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 – Sunday, May 31st, 2026.
4. Islamic New Year – 4 Days Off
Expected Date: Monday, June 15 (officially Tuesday, June 16)
Take Leave On: Friday, June 12 = 1 PTO used
The Islamic New Year holiday might shift slightly, but by taking Friday off, you can turn it into another four-day weekend. A great mid-year breather to relax before the summer heat hits full swing.
You’ll get holiday from Friday, June 12th, 2026 – Monday, June 15th, 2026.
5. Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday – 5 Days Off
Expected Date: Monday, August 24 (possibly moved to Tuesday, August 25)
Take Leave On: Friday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 25 = 2 PTO used
Book those two extra days, and you’ll have five days of well-deserved downtime.
You’ll get holiday from Friday, August 21st, 2026 – Tuesday, August 25th, 2026.
6. UAE National Day – 9 Days Off
Public Holidays: Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3
Take Leave On: Monday, November 30; Tuesday, December 1; and Friday, December 4 = PTO 3 used
Last but not least – by taking three days of leave, you can enjoy a nine-day holiday to celebrate the UAE’s big day.
You’ll get holiday from Saturday, November 28th, 2026 – Sunday, December 6th, 2026.
PTO Days Well Spent
Let’s breakdown the maths here. Across 6 public holiday you’re getting 36 days off with just 10 days of PTO, sounds like a jackpot deal to me! And with multiple 9-day holiday throughout the year you mostly likely need to use anymore PTO days. So, if you company allows you to carry over unused leave days, you’re already securing more holiday days for yourself in 2027!
