The United Arab Emirates has released the anticipated dates for public holidays in 2026, based on the official Hijri calendar for the year 1447-1448. The schedule provides residents and businesses with an early outlook for planning the year ahead.
Official Calendar and Key Dates
The UAE Cabinet annually approves the public holiday schedule, with dates for Islamic holidays subject to confirmation by moon-sighting committees closer to the event. The projected dates for 2026 are calculated according to astronomical predictions. The first major break is expected for Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, which is forecast to begin around Friday, February 27, 2026. The holiday period is typically several days long.
Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha are anticipated to fall in early June. Arafat Day, the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, is expected on Monday, June 8, 2026, followed immediately by Eid al-Adha, which would likely commence on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Both occasions are significant religious observances and are accompanied by public holidays.
Fixed and National Holidays
In addition to the Islamic holidays, the UAE observes several fixed-date national celebrations. These include New Year’s Day on January 1, and Commemoration Day and National Day, which are celebrated on December 1 and 2, respectively. The Hijri New Year, or Islamic New Year, is also a public holiday and is projected to fall on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is another public holiday, with its expected date in 2026 being Sunday, September 20. The exact number of days off for each holiday is formally announced by the federal government each year.
Planning and Economic Impact
The early release of expected dates aids corporate entities, government departments, and educational institutions in structuring their annual calendars. It allows for the efficient scheduling of projects, vacations, and operational timelines. The hospitality, travel, and retail sectors closely monitor these dates to prepare for periods of increased domestic tourism and consumer activity.
Public holidays in the UAE often result in a temporary closure of government offices and many private sector businesses, though essential services and retail outlets typically remain operational. Residents commonly use the extended breaks for travel, family gatherings, and leisure activities.
Next Steps and Official Confirmation
The final, official holiday calendar for 2026 will be issued by a Cabinet decree, typically in the latter part of 2025. The moon-sighting committees’ announcements will ultimately confirm the precise start dates for Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. Residents and organizations are advised to refer to official government communications from the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources for the confirmed schedule and any related employment guidelines.
Source: UAE Cabinet, Astronomical Calculations
