UAE Public Holiday Calendar 2026
UAE Public Holiday Calendar 2026
The UAE public holiday calendar for 2026 determines paid leave entitlements for all employees under federal labour law. This guide lists confirmed dates, sector-specific variations, and rules for working on public holidays.
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UAE Public Holidays 2026 (Confirmed and Expected Dates)
| Holiday | Expected Date | Days Off | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | 1 | Fixed date |
| Eid Al Fitr | Late March (moon sighting) | 3-4 | Dates confirmed by moon sighting committee |
| Arafat Day | Early June (moon sighting) | 1 | Day before Eid Al Adha |
| Eid Al Adha | Early June (moon sighting) | 3 | Dates confirmed by moon sighting committee |
| Islamic New Year | Late June (moon sighting) | 1 | 1 Muharram |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Early September (moon sighting) | 1 | 12 Rabi Al Awwal |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November | 1 | Fixed date |
| National Day | 2-3 December | 2 | Fixed dates |
UAE Public Holidays 2026 (Confirmed and Expected Dates)
| Holiday | Expected Date | Days Off | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | 1 | Fixed date |
| Eid Al Fitr | Late March (moon sighting) | 3-4 | Dates confirmed by moon sighting committee |
| Arafat Day | Early June (moon sighting) | 1 | Day before Eid Al Adha |
| Eid Al Adha | Early June (moon sighting) | 3 | Dates confirmed by moon sighting committee |
| Islamic New Year | Late June (moon sighting) | 1 | 1 Muharram |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Early September (moon sighting) | 1 | 12 Rabi Al Awwal |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November | 1 | Fixed date |
| National Day | 2-3 December | 2 | Fixed dates |
UAE Public Holidays 2026 (Confirmed and Expected Dates)
| Holiday | Expected Date | Days Off | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | 1 | Fixed date |
| Eid Al Fitr | Late March (moon sighting) | 3-4 | Dates confirmed by moon sighting committee |
| Arafat Day | Early June (moon sighting) | 1 | Day before Eid Al Adha |
| Eid Al Adha | Early June (moon sighting) | 3 | Dates confirmed by moon sighting committee |
| Islamic New Year | Late June (moon sighting) | 1 | 1 Muharram |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Early September (moon sighting) | 1 | 12 Rabi Al Awwal |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November | 1 | Fixed date |
| National Day | 2-3 December | 2 | Fixed dates |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does the UAE have in 2026?
The UAE observes approximately 14 paid public holiday days annually, including New Year, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day, Islamic New Year, Prophet’s Birthday, and National Day. Exact Eid dates depend on moon sighting.
Do I get paid if I work on a public holiday in the UAE?
Yes. Employees required to work on public holidays receive either a substitute rest day plus 50% salary supplement, or 150% of their daily wage for the hours worked, as stipulated under UAE labour law.
Are public holidays the same in all UAE emirates?
Federal public holidays apply nationwide. Some emirates may declare additional local holidays. Private sector companies follow the federal calendar, while government entities may observe slightly different schedules.
