Your go-to guide to maximising next year’s public holidays.
If you’re already thinking ahead to 2026 (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), then you’ll be pleased to know that the UAE calendar is shaping up to deliver a generous helping of long weekends, including a potential six-day stretch in summer.
Earlier this year, the UAE introduced a revised public holiday law that allows certain holidays to be shifted to the start or end of a week. The aim? To give residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy proper long weekends, rather than awkward mid-week days off. Some holidays, like Eid Al Fitr, remain fixed, but many others can now be re-aligned for maximum impact.
While some dates depend on moon sightings and won’t be confirmed until closer to the time, these predictions will help you start mapping out next year’s staycations, getaways, or lazy lie-ins.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, beginning on Ramadan 30 and running until Shawwal 3. In 2026, Shawwal is expected to start on Friday, March 20th, meaning a neat three-day weekend running through Friday, March 20th to Sunday, March 22nd. As one of the two immovable holidays in the UAE, Eid Al Fitr always guarantees time off.
Eid Al Adha
The big one. Eid Al Adha begins with Arafat Day (Dhu Al Hijjah 9) and extends through Dhu Al Hijjah 12. Predictions place Dhu Al Hijjah 9 on Tuesday, May 26th, meaning the holiday could run through to Friday, May 29th. Combine that with the weekend, and you’re looking at a six-day break, the longest of the year.
Islamic New Year
Falling on Muharram 1, the Islamic New Year is one of the holidays that can shift. In 2026, Muharram 1 is predicted to be Tuesday, June 16th. If the holiday moves to the start of the week, that means Monday, June 15th off, creating a tidy three-day weekend.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH)
Set to fall on Tuesday, August 25th, this holiday is also flexible. If shifted to the start of the week, the day off would fall on Monday, August 24th, again giving us a three-day break.
New Year’s Day
Thursday, January 1st is a public holiday in the UAE. While it’s unlikely that Friday, January 2md will also be added, there’s always the possibility. If it is, that would mean a four-day start to 2026.
National Day
Marking the anniversary of the UAE’s formation, December 2nd and 3rd (Wednesday and Thursday in 2026) are officially public holidays. The government could extend the celebrations either side, which means either a five-day weekend if Friday December 4 is included, or a six-day stretch if the holiday begins on Monday November 30th.
While moon sightings and official announcements still dictate the final word, one thing’s for sure: 2026 is loaded with potential for long, lazy breaks and ambitious travel plans. Our advice is to book the essentials early, especially if you’re keen on that epic six-day Eid Al Adha window.
