“So, when’s the next holiday?” The question that’s floating in everyone’s mind right now as we dread the end of a blissfully long weekend. The National Day weekend buzz has officially simmered down. Fireworks are dusted off, and the flags are folded. Now everyone’s back in stress mode, gearing up to tackle the upcoming workdays. The good news is, you won’t be waiting long before you get to kick back and enjoy another break.
Also Read: Predictions For UAE’s 2026 Public Holidays – How Many Long Weekends Will There Be?
Here’s How Public Holidays Are Planned In Dubai.
As a multicultural hub, the United Arab Emirates observes a variety of holidays. Some public holidays are based on the Islamic Hijri calendar, while others follow the Gregorian calendar. While some holidays have fixed dates, many are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. These include Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr/Eid Al Adha, which can change each year. Which is why it’s imperative to plan ahead for these celebrations to make the most of your breaks!
So, When Is The Next Public Holiday?
January 1st 2026, New Year’s Day. In just a couple more weeks, we say goodbye to 2025 and ring in the new year. Across the UAE, New Year’s Day is a public holiday, giving everyone a day to sleep in or celebrate the fresh start. While it isn’t a long weekend, hey, any holiday is a holiday!
What To Expect In 2026? All The Predicted Holidays
In the new year, we can expect a minimum of 12 official days off, including a six-day long weekend in May. Do keep in mind that there hasn’t been an official announcement yet. If you’re planning to get a head start on your holiday planning, then you might want to consider these predictions to plan tentatively.
- 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)
The Essentials Of Public Holiday Laws
The UAE public holiday law permits local governments to introduce additional public holidays beyond those already specified. A public holiday may not be carried forward if it falls on the same date as another public holiday or a weekend.
But don’t fret, as in 2026, none of the Islamic holidays will overlap with either of the holidays tied to the Gregorian calendar. Any public holidays, aside from Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr, that fall in the middle of the week can be moved to the start of the week, creating a long weekend.
It’s Time To Count Down!
With just a few more weeks until New Year’s Day and a tentative lineup of public holidays waiting in 2026, we promise you won’t be holiday-deprived for long.
Until then, keep visiting the Gulf Buzz website for the latest updates, or visit the official U.AE government website for more information on public holiday laws.
