If you’re the kind of person who starts planning vacations way, way ahead of time (hi, that’s me too), or just like to know what the year ahead of you hold – you’ll want to save this page for later. While the UAE hasn’t made any official public holiday announcements for 2026 yet, we’ve got a solid idea of what’s coming. But don’t worry I’m here now to show you what your predicted holidays can look like in 2026 and we’ll be the first to tell you when the UAE Cabinet announces the official dates. Let’s dive into these predictions.
Also read: When Is The Next UAE Public Holiday Now That Eid Al Fitr Is Over?
How UAE Public Holidays Are Decided?
But before we move any further, let me break down how UAE public holidays are decided in the first place. In the UAE, holidays come from two different calendars:
- The Gregorian calendar (you know, the one you rely on a day-to-day basis to know what the date is)
- The Islamic Hijri calendar (based on an 11 month Lunar cycle)
Some holidays have fixed dates every year, like New Year’s Day (December, 31st) and UAE National Day (December 2nd). Others, such as Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr/Eid Al Adha, shift slightly each year based on the lunar calendar. Although the official dates aren’t confirmed until shortly before they are expected to start, astronomers help predict them with surprising accuracy. And that’s how we are able to predict future public holidays months in advance.
A Quick Look At 2026’s Predicted Days Off
Here’s a simplified list of the public holidays we’re likely getting in 2026, based on the current UAE laws:
- 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 UAE Public Holidays Depend On The Moon?
Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, which means their exact dates are confirmed closer to the time. That includes:
- Eid Al Fitr
- Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha
- Islamic New Year
- The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH)
Even though the dates fluctuate each year, we can still make educated guesses. And based on current predictions, 2026 is looking very holiday-friendly!
Mark Your Calendar: Big Breaks to Look Forward To
With the predicted days off in mind, here is what our 2026 holidays may look like:
3-Day Weekend in March:
Eid Al Fitr is expected to start on Friday, March 20 until Sunday, March 22. So, if you already get Saturdays and Sundays off, expect to add Friday to the list too, that weekend.
6-Day Break in May:
This is the one to get excited about the most! With Arafat Day predicted to be on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha from Wednesday to Friday (May 27–29), and the weekend right after, that’s a 6-day stretch off if we’re lucky. Start dreaming about those flight deals and keep those fingers crossed!
1-Day Off In June & August:
A few other holidays, like Islamic New Year (June 16) and the Prophet’s Birthday (August 25), are expected to fall on Tuesdays. That means you’ll get a nice little break in the middle of your work week in June and August. Sadly, these holidays do not automatically turn into long weekends, you definitely use your Paid Time Off days to make it worth while.
2-Day Break In December:
December 1 and 2 fall on a Tuesday and Wednesday, giving you a nice 2-day break to celebrate the country’s National Day. Fingers crossed some of us get a longer break if Monday, November 30th and the weekend gets tacked on as well!
But Can Holidays Be Moved If They Fall On Weekends?
The short answer is: not always. According to the current UAE public holiday laws, holidays won’t automatically get moved if they land on a weekend or overlap with another public holiday. That said, the UAE Cabinet can decide to shift things around if they see fit closer to the time of the occasion.
The good news for 2026? So far, none of the main holidays are expected to clash with weekends, so we should get the full benefits.
Plan Early & Travel Smart
While these dates are still predictions, this is a great guide to help you organise your year in advance – whether you’re booking flights, planning staycations, or just locking in extra time to sleep in your cosy bed.
2026 is already looking to be packed with long weekend, definitely worth looking forward to!
You may also like: How To Score 9 Days Off For The Next UAE Public Holiday Using Just 3 Days Of PTO
