UAE Public Holidays 2026
Dubai follows the UAE federal holiday calendar. There are 9–11 public holidays per year, with Islamic holidays varying by the lunar calendar. Here's your complete guide for 2026.
2026 Holiday Calendar
| Holiday | Approx. Date | Duration | Type | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January 2026 | 1 day | Fixed | Public & Private |
| Eid Al Fitr | ~29 Mar – 1 Apr 2026 | 3–4 days | Lunar | Public & Private |
| Arafat Day (Hajj) | ~5 June 2026 | 1 day | Lunar | Public & Private |
| Eid Al Adha | ~6–9 June 2026 | 3–4 days | Lunar | Public & Private |
| Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) | ~26 June 2026 | 1 day | Lunar | Public & Private |
| Prophet Muhammad's Birthday | ~4 September 2026 | 1 day | Lunar | Public & Private |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November 2026 | 1 day | Fixed | Public & Private |
| UAE National Day | 2–3 December 2026 | 2 days | Fixed | Public & Private |
Lunar Calendar — Dates Not Confirmed Until Late
Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri lunar calendar. Exact dates are officially confirmed 1–2 days before the holiday by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee. The dates above are approximations based on astronomical calculations — always confirm through official UAE government announcements or Google News closer to the date.
Public Sector vs Private Sector
Public Sector (Government)
- •Gets all official public holidays
- •Government often adds extra days adjacent to holidays
- •Follows the Saturday–Sunday weekend (since 2022)
- •Holiday announcements typically come 1–2 days before
Private Sector
- •Entitled to all public holidays under MOHRE rules
- •Some employers give fewer days or substitute holidays
- •Weekend day (Friday or Saturday–Sunday) varies by company
- •More generous employers may add additional days
The Weekend Change (2022)
In January 2022, the UAE government switched the public sector working week to Monday–Friday with Saturday–Sunday as the weekend — aligning with global business hours. However, many private sector companies still operate Sunday–Thursday or have a split Friday. Check your contract to confirm your official weekend.
Long Weekend Planning
Several UAE holidays fall adjacent to weekends, creating 4–7 day breaks. Flight prices spike during these periods — especially for Eid — so book well in advance.
Eid Al Fitr (late March / early April) Up to 4–6 days
One of the biggest travel windows of the year. Combine with the weekend for a full week off. Popular destinations: Maldives, Turkey, Georgia, Sri Lanka.
Eid Al Adha (early June) Up to 5–7 days
Often the longest holiday stretch. June heat means many residents travel out of Dubai. Book 8–10 weeks ahead — flights and hotels fill up fast.
UAE National Day (2–3 Dec) Up to 4–5 days
The weather is perfect in December. Many stay in Dubai for celebrations — fireworks, concerts, and events across the city. If you travel, Oman is popular for the drive.
New Year's Day (1 Jan) Up to 3–4 days
Combine with the Thursday–Friday weekend. Burj Khalifa fireworks draw massive crowds. Hotel rooms in Dubai spike — book very early or go elsewhere.
Book Flights 6–8 Weeks Ahead for Eid
Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are the two biggest travel windows of the year. Economy class fares to popular destinations (Maldives, Turkey, Georgia, Thailand) can double or triple in the week before. Book as soon as the approximate dates are known — usually 2–3 months out.
What's Open & Closed on Public Holidays
| Place / Service | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Government offices | Closed | All public holidays |
| Shopping malls | Open | Usually open; reduced hours during Eid morning prayers |
| Restaurants | Mostly open | Some close for Eid prayer times; most reopen for dinner |
| Public transport (metro/bus) | Open | Holiday schedule — reduced frequency |
| Banks | Closed | ATMs remain operational 24/7 |
| Supermarkets | Open | Usually open with slightly reduced hours |
| Dubai parks & beaches | Open | Often more crowded than usual |
| Pharmacies | Mostly open | Some close; hospital pharmacies always open |
| Private businesses | Varies | Depends on employer; many close for major Eid days |
Ramadan — Not a Holiday, But Life Changes
Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting. It lasts approximately 30 days and falls in approximately February–March in 2026 (lunar calendar). It is not a public holiday, but it significantly affects daily life for residents and visitors alike.
Reduced working hours
All employees — Muslim and non-Muslim — work 2 hours fewer per day (typically 6 hours instead of 8) during Ramadan by law.
No eating or drinking in public
Eating, drinking (including water), and smoking in public spaces during fasting hours (sunrise to sunset) is illegal and can result in a fine. Restaurants screen off eating areas during the day.
Iftar & Suhoor culture
Restaurants and hotels come alive after sunset for Iftar (break-fast meal). Special Iftar tents with lavish buffets open across the city, often at good value. Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) venues stay open until 3–4am.
Entertainment restricted
Live music may be limited or prohibited in some venues. Dress modestly in public areas. Nightlife hours are reduced. Respect the atmosphere even if you are not fasting.
For the full Ramadan etiquette guide — including what you can and cannot do, dress code advice, and how to handle business meetings during fasting hours — see the Culture & Laws page.
UAE National Day (2–3 December)
National Day marks the founding of the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971, when the seven emirates united. It is one of the most celebrated events of the year in Dubai — a two-day public holiday with major events across the city.
What to Expect
- • Fireworks at Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Palm Jumeirah
- • Spirit of the Union concerts and outdoor events
- • Drone light shows and air displays
- • Car parades with UAE flags (city-wide)
- • Free or discounted entry at some attractions
- • Massive mall sales and promotions
Flag Day — 3 November
Flag Day (3 November) is not a public holiday but is widely observed. Buildings, cars, and public spaces are decorated with UAE flags. It commemorates the accession of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the UAE.
Many residents participate by displaying flags on their balconies and vehicles in a show of national solidarity.
December Is Peak Season
National Day falls in early December — the beginning of Dubai's peak tourist season. The weather is perfect (low-to-mid 20s°C), there are events everywhere, and hotels fill up fast. If you want to travel out of Dubai over National Day, book accommodation and flights at least 2 months ahead.