If you’ve already opened your Notes app and started plotting annual leave like your life depends on it… then same. Because 2026 in the UAE is shaping up to be an elite tier for long weekends. We’re talking multiple extended breaks, including a potential six-day summer holiday that could have you mentally clocked out by May. While several dates remain subject to moon sightings and official confirmation, here’s how 2026 is currently looking.
Also Read: 10 Eid Al Fitr Road Trips Ideas In & Around UAE
First Long Weekend – Eid Al Fitr
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. In the UAE, the break runs from Ramadan 30 (if Ramadan lasts 30 days) through Shawwal 3. Since Hijri months are either 29 or 30 days depending on moon sightings, final confirmation only happens the night before Eid.
Current announcements indicate Eid Al Fitr will begin on Thursday, 19 March, and continue on Friday, 20 March and Saturday, 21 March. With Sunday already a standard weekend day for most employees, residents have a four-day break from Thursday to Sunday. Note that Eid Al Fitr is one of only two public holidays that cannot be moved under the updated UAE holiday law.
Second Long Weekend – Eid Al Adha
Eid al-Adha is the second major Islamic festival and commemorates the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. In the UAE, the public holiday begins with Arafat Day (Dhu Al Hijjah 9) and continues through Dhu Al Hijjah 10, 11 and 12. Based on current Hijri calendar predictions, Dhu Al Hijjah will tentatively begin on Monday, 18 May 2026. If accurate, Arafat Day would fall on Tuesday, 26 May, with Eid Al Adha running from Wednesday, 27 May, to Friday, 29 May.
When combined with the weekend, that could deliver a massive six-day break from Tues to Sun, one of the biggest public holiday stretches of the year. As always, these dates remain subject to official confirmation of the moon sighting.
Third Long Weekend – Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year falls on Muharram 1, marking the beginning of a new Hijri year. Unlike Eid Al Fitr, this is one of the holidays that can be moved to create a long weekend under the revised public holiday law.
Predictions currently suggest the Islamic New Year will fall on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. If the UAE opts to shift the holiday to the start of the week, residents could get Monday, 15 June off instead. If that happens, it would create a three-day weekend from Sat – Mon.
Fourth Long Weekend – Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH)
The observance of Mawlid, also known as Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH), is another holiday that can be shifted to maximise the weekend. Current projections indicate the official date will fall on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. If moved to the beginning of the week, the public holiday can enjoy their break from Monday, 24 August. That would give residents a three-day break from Sat – Mon.
Other Possible Long Weekends In 2026
National Day
UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, is officially observed on 2 December and 3 December each year. In 2026, these dates fall on Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December. Asc2025 was the first year the new shifting rule came into effect; it’s still unclear how flexibly the government will apply it to fixed national holidays. There is potential for:
- Extending the break to include Friday 4 December, creating a five-day weekend from Wed – Sun, or
- Shifting surrounding days (such as Monday, 30 November and Tuesday, 1 December) to create a longer stretch.
Here’s What To Keep In Mind About Long Holidays In Dubai
- Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings and may shift by a day.
- Only select holidays can be moved under the updated law.
- Official confirmations are typically announced closer to the date.
If predictions hold, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest long-weekend calendars in recent years, and yes, your annual leave is about to work overtime!
So whether you’re already planning long staycations, short-haul escapes, or just planning on doing absolutely nothing, 2026 is giving you options. Keep following Gulf Buzz, as we keep decoding the calendar so you don’t have to.
FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS
Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
