The longest and most highly anticipated public holidays in Dubai are always tied to Eid celebrations. In 2026, residents can once again look forward to extended breaks for Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day).
While the UAE public holiday law guarantees a minimum of 12 official public holidays each year, the bulk of those days are connected to the two major Islamic festivals — Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
However, Eid holidays work slightly differently from other public holidays in the UAE.
Under the law, certain public holidays that fall on a weekend can be shifted to create a longer break at the beginning or end of the week. But this flexibility does not apply to Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha. These holidays are determined according to the Islamic Hijri calendar, meaning their exact start dates depend on moon sightings.
Although official confirmation only comes closer to the time, astronomical calculations allow for accurate predictions well in advance. Here’s what Dubai residents can likely expect in 2026.
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Expected Dates
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Its name translates to “festival of breaking the fast,” and it falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth Islamic month.
Because Ramadan can last either 29 or 30 days, there are two possible scenarios for the 2026 Eid Al Fitr break. The good news? Both scenarios result in a four-day weekend.
If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the holiday would begin on Thursday March 19 (the 30th day of Ramadan). The break would then continue through the first three days of Shawwal, ending on Sunday March 22. This would create a four-day weekend running from Thursday to Sunday.
If Ramadan lasts 29 days, Eid Al Fitr would still begin on Thursday March 19. In this case, the official Eid holidays would conclude on Saturday March 21. When combined with the regular weekend day on Sunday March 22, residents would once again enjoy a four-day weekend.
Either way, projections indicate that Dubai will see a long mid-March break in 2026, offering an ideal opportunity for travel, family gatherings or a staycation within the UAE.
Eid Al Adha 2026: Expected Dates
Eid Al Adha is the second of the two major Islamic festivals and commemorates the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
The Eid Al Adha holiday always begins with Arafat Day (Dhu Al Hijjah 9), followed by three days of Eid (Dhu Al Hijjah 10, 11 and 12).
Based on current astronomical forecasts, Arafat Day in 2026 is expected to fall on Tuesday May 26. If this prediction is confirmed, the public holiday would run as follows:
- Tuesday May 26 (Arafat Day)
- Wednesday May 27
- Thursday May 28
- Friday May 29
When combined with the standard Saturday and Sunday weekend, this would create a six-day break — one of the longest public holidays of the year.
For many residents, this could become the ideal time for international travel or an extended break within the country. However, as with all Islamic holidays, final confirmation will depend on official moon-sighting announcements closer to the date.
Eid Al Etihad 2026: UAE National Day
Eid Al Etihad, more commonly known as UAE National Day, marks the anniversary of the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.
Unlike the Islamic Eids, Eid Al Etihad follows the Gregorian calendar. The official public holiday dates are fixed as December 2 and December 3 each year.
In 2026, these dates fall on Wednesday and Thursday. While UAE authorities occasionally adjust certain fixed-date holidays to create longer weekends, this is not guaranteed.
For example, in 2025, one of the National Day holidays was shifted to allow for a four-day weekend. However, when New Year’s Day 2026 falls on a Thursday, the UAE chose not to extend the break. Instead, January 2 was declared a remote work day for government employees rather than an additional public holiday.
Based on that precedent, it is more likely that Wednesday December 2 and Thursday December 3 will remain official public holidays in 2026.
There remains a possibility that Friday December 4 could be designated as a remote work day for the public sector, but private sector employees would most likely return to the office on that day.
As always, official confirmation will be announced closer to December.
Why Eid Dates Are More Complex
Unlike fixed Western holidays, Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar. Each Islamic month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which means dates can shift slightly depending on official moon-sighting committees.
Although astronomical models provide highly accurate projections, formal announcements are typically made only shortly before the holiday begins.
This system ensures religious accuracy, but it also adds an element of anticipation for residents planning travel and time off.
How Many Public Holidays in 2026?
Under UAE law, residents can expect at least 12 official public holiday days in 2026. With:
- Four days likely for Eid Al Fitr
- Four days for Eid Al Adha
- Two days for Eid Al Etihad
The majority of annual leave will once again be centred around these major celebrations.
If predictions hold, Eid Al Adha could deliver a six-day break — making 2026 a particularly strong year for long weekends in Dubai.
While final dates will be confirmed by the authorities closer to each holiday, early forecasts already suggest plenty of opportunities to plan holidays, staycations and well-earned time off with family and friends.
FAQs
Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday March 19, depending on the moon sighting. The holiday is likely to create a four-day weekend.
Eid Al Adha 2026 is predicted to run from Tuesday May 26 to Friday May 29. Combined with the weekend, it could become a six-day break.
Eid dates follow the Islamic Hijri lunar calendar and depend on moon sightings, which is why they shift each year on the Gregorian calendar.
No. Under UAE public holiday law, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha cannot be shifted, even if they fall near a weekend.
Eid Al Etihad will fall on Wednesday December 2 and Thursday December 3, 2026. Any additional day off will be confirmed closer to the date.
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