If you live for long weekends, sneaky leave hacks, and turning a few days off into full-blown getaways, this one’s for you. We’ve crunched the numbers for you, so all you’ve got to do is plan your trips! Thanks to the UAE’s transferable public holiday rule (which came in clutch during the 2025 Eid Al Etihad break), planning longer escapes is easier than ever. This year, you don’t need to stare at the calendar for hours or beg HR for that extra time off. With a bit of smart planning, you can get yourself a glorious 39 days off in 2026, including weekends. Keep reading for the breakdown!
Also Read: Your 2026 Ramadan Guide – Everything To Know From Shorter Work Hours, Dates, Rules & More
2026 Began With A Sneaky New Year Break
New Year’s Day landed on Thursday, 1st January 2026, which was already an advantage. If the government transferred the holiday to Friday, residents instantly scored a three-day weekend. If not, simply taking Friday, 2nd January off meant enjoying a relaxed four-day break thanks to the weekend. It was the perfect way to ease into the year without draining your leave balance.
- You may have scored: 4 days off. If not, you still get 35 days off this year!
Eid Al Fitr In March = Gear Up For A Long Holiday
Eid Al Fitr (Shawwal 1–3) is expected to fall between Friday, 20th March and Sunday, 22nd March, 2026. This is subject to moon sighting. By taking an annual leave from Monday to Thursday, March 16 – 19, you connect the weekend before Eid with the festival break itself.
- You can score: 9 days off
Arafah Day & Eid Al Adha – Another Long Weekend Awaits
Arafah Day is expected on Tuesday, 26th May, followed by Eid Al Adha from Wednesday to Friday, 27th – 29th May (dates subject to moon sighting). If you take Monday, 25th May off, add the weekends on either side, you’ve unlocked an escape window that barely touches your leave balance.
- You can score: 9 days off
Hijri New Year – A Short Break Is Still A Win!
The Islamic New Year is expected on Tuesday, 16th June, 2026. However, this is also pending moon sighting. Take Monday, 15th June off and enjoy a calm four-day mini-break, including the weekend. Depending on Cabinet decisions, this holiday may also be transferable, which could mean even more flexibility.
- You can score: 4 days off
Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) Birthday in August
Another weekday win! Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birthday is expected on a weekday – on Tuesday, 25th August, 2026. If you block Monday, 24th August off, pair it with the weekend, you’ve got yourself a quick summer breather.
- You can score: 4 days off
Commencing The Festive Month With A Long Break – UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
UAE National Day in 2026 falls on Wednesday and Thursday, 2nd – 3rd December. If holidays stay as scheduled, taking leave on Monday, 30th November, Tuesday, 1st December, and Friday, 4th December links both weekends perfectly. If you still need to take that vacation, now is the ideal time for a year-end trip or staycation. If the Cabinet decides to move the holidays, you could be looking at an even longer weekend with fewer leave days.
- You can score: 9 days off
The Final Count – Perfect Way To End The Year
With 12 official public holidays, 11 days of annual leave and 16 weekends, UAE residents can take up to 39 days off in 2026. This means more travel, rest, and way less guilt when that out-of-office reply goes on. For all fun hacks like these, don’t stop reading Gulf Buzz!
