Public Holidays in the UAE in 2026 provide plenty of chances to enjoy extended breaks. A little strategic leave planning can transform official holidays into long and extended weekends. With the UAE’s transferrable public holidays policy, offers added flexibility to be perfect for longer breaks throughout 2026. You don’t need to stare at the calendar; we have done the planning for you, this guide will show you how to make the most of UAE public holidays in 2026, and enjoy a year full of well-planned escapes.
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Smart Ways to Plan Your Annual Leave for Longer Breaks in 2026
New Year’s Day Off
The Year 2026 starts on a high note for holiday planners, as New Year’s Day lands on Thursday, January 1. If the UAE government announces the day off as planned, you can enjoy a 4-day-long weekend by taking just 1 day of annual leave on Friday, January 2, giving you extra time to relax and ease into the new year alongside the regular weekend.
Eid Ul Fitr Holidays
Eid Ul Fitr is celebrated in the UAE with a three-day public holiday (Shawwal 1-3). in 2026, this Islamic holiday, which is non-transferrable, is expected to fall from Friday to Sunday, March 20-22, though the exact dates will be confirmed once the Shawwal crescent moon is sighted by official authorities.
With a little strategic planning, residents can make the most of this festive period. By taking annual leave from Monday to Thursday, March 16-19, you could enjoy a full nine-day break, from saturday, March 14, to Sunday, March 22 by combining the weekends and the Eid holidays for an extended getaway. Alternatively, you can plan your annual leave based on the days you have available or the length of break you prefer.
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha
2026 brings an ideal extended weekend opportunity with Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha. Arafah Day (Dhul Hijjah 9), one of the holiest days in Islam and a public holiday in the UAE, is followed by the three-day Eid Al Adha celebrations.
Arafah Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 2026, with Eid Al Adha taking place from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29. Again, the exact dates will be confirmed based on the sighting of the moon.
By planning ahead, residents can make the most of this festive period by taking a single day of annual leave on Monday, May 25, which can transform the holiday into a full week off, by including weekends, it’s possible to enjoy up to nine consecutive days of rest and celebrations.
Islamic New Year 2026 UAE
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, is observed as a public holiday in the UAE, offering residents a chance to get an extended short break. In 2026, the holiday is expected to fall on Tuesday, June 16, though the exact date will be confirmed later. By taking Monday off, residents can enjoy a relaxing 4-day long weekend. This holiday may be shifted, depending on the UAE Cabinet’s final decision.
Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) Birthday 2026 UAE
Another great opportunity to extend your break in 2026 comes with the Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birthday, which is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25 (Rabi Al Awwal 12). By taking an annual leave day on Monday, August 24, you can turn this midweek holiday into a mini weekend. This holiday may also be transferred, depending on the UAE government’s official announcement.
UAE National Day 2026
Wrap up the year with the UAE National Day 2026 Holiday break, where you can enjoy Eid Al Etihad fireworks, parades and so many other national festivities. In 2026 the National Day Holiday falls on Wednesday and Thursday, December 2 and 3. If the dates remain unchanged, you can create a nine-day break by taking annual day leave on Monday, November 30; Tuesday, December 1; and Friday, December 4, perfectly pairing the holiday with both weekends. Or you can simply plan a 5-day extended long weekend by taking only one day off on Friday, December 4, with the usual weekend off.
The Cabinet decision to transfer the Eid Al Etihad holiday means the residents could enjoy a hassle-free 4-day weekend, offering an easy opportunity for a longer holiday break. Whichever way it goes, a bit of smart planning can help you wrap up 2026 with a memorable and refreshing holiday.
By simply using these strategic plannings, you’ll turn the 2026 holiday calendar into a year full of extended weekends and enjoy the perfect balance of work, travel and relaxation.
Also Read: Ramadan 2026 UAE- Just Three Months to Go
