UAE Public Holidays 2026: Full List & Long Weekends Guide
The UAE has published its budgeted future public holidays in 2026, which provides a clear picture for residents to plan holidays, family visits, and weekend getaways. Certain dates are based on moon appearances, and as such, last-minute announcements will be made closer to each holiday.
Table of Contents
2026 Public Holidays
The following are the major UAE public holidays in the year 2026:
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- Shawwal 1–3 – Eid Al Fitr
- Dhu Al Hijjah 9 – Arafat Day
- Dhu Al Hijjah 10–12 – Eid Al Adha
- Muharram 1 – Islamic New Year
- Rabi Al Awwal 12 -The Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- 2-3 December UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
Potential Long Weekends
There are likely to be some additional weekends due to certain holidays:
- Eid Al Fitr: Friday, March 20- Sunday, March 22, for 3 days.
- Eid Al Adha: Depended on Tuesday, May 26 (Arafat Day) to Sunday, May 31 – a 6-day vacation with the weekend.
UAE School Holidays 2026
MOE Curriculum Schools
- Winter Break: Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
- Spring Break + Eid Al Fitr: Mar 16–29, 2026
- Mid-Term + Eid Al Adha: May 25–29, 2026
- Hijri New Year: June 17, 2026
- Summer Break (Staff): From July 18, 2026
Dubai Private Schools (KHDA)
- Schools starting April 2025–2026:
- Winter: Dec 15–Jan 5
- Spring: Mar 16–30
- Academic Year Ends: Mar 30, 2026
- Schools starting September 2025–2026:
- Winter: Dec 15–Jan 5
- Spring: Mar 16–30
- Academic Year Ends: Mar 3, 2026
Why This Matters
The 2026 holidays make people understand when to go on holiday, visit family members, and enjoy this time. Companies can deal with staffing, and educational establishments can synchronize holidays with breaks. Eid Al Adha will provide a possible six-day vacation in 2026, so it is one of the best long weekends to go on holiday and travel.
