UAE Public Holidays 2026: Full Calendar with Dates and Pay Rules
Fatima sits at her desk on a December morning, calendar open, trying to plan next year. She knows there are public holidays coming but isn’t sure which ones, or what she’ll be paid if she works them. She’s seen colleagues confused about the difference between public holiday pay and annual leave. She opens her email to her HR contact but hesitates. The answer feels like it should be simpler.
This is the reality for thousands of UAE employees each year. Public holidays are complex. Dates shift. Islamic observances depend on moon sightings. Rules differ between private and public sector. Yet getting this wrong costs money and creates workplace friction.
The good news: the 2026 public holiday calendar is now confirmed for fixed dates, and the rules under UAE Labour Law are clear. Here is everything you need to know.
Why the 2026 Calendar Matters
Public holidays in the UAE are enshrined in Cabinet Decision 27/2024, which came into force on 1 January 2025. This decision sets the framework for all confirmed public holidays and allows the government to announce Islamic date holidays once the lunar calendar is finalised.
For employers, knowing these dates is non-negotiable. They affect payroll, staffing, leave balances, and compliance. For employees, understanding your entitlement protects you from underpayment and helps with personal planning.
According to MOHRE, employers must apply public holiday rules fairly across all employees, regardless of sector. This means understanding the difference between a public holiday and an annual leave day is critical.
Confirmed UAE Public Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Date 2026 | Day of Week | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday | Fixed date, applies to all sectors |
| Eid Al Fitr | 19 to 21 March (private sector) 19 to 22 March (federal sector) |
Thu to Sat (private) Thu to Sun (federal) |
Subject to moon sighting; dates provisional until official announcement |
| Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha | 26 to 29 May (provisional) | Tue to Fri | Subject to moon sighting; when combined with weekend, creates 6-day break |
| Islamic New Year | Provisional (subject to announcement) | TBD | Typically around mid-September; dependent on lunar calendar |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Provisional (subject to announcement) | TBD | Typically around mid-November; dependent on lunar calendar |
| Commemoration Day | 1 December | Friday | Fixed date, commemorates 2014 armed forces sacrifices |
| UAE National Day (Part 1) | 2 December | Saturday | Fixed date, celebrates founding of the UAE in 1971 |
| UAE National Day (Part 2) | 3 December | Sunday | Fixed date, part of 2-day national holiday |
Islamic Dates: Watch for Official Announcements
Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, the Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday all depend on the lunar calendar. The exact dates cannot be confirmed until the new moon is sighted by authorised religious authorities.
According to UAE legislation and MOHRE guidance, the government typically announces these dates around two weeks before they occur. All employers and employees must await the official announcement from FAHR (Federal Authority for Government Human Resources) and MOHRE before finalising leave schedules.
For 2026, provisional dates are:
- Eid Al Fitr: 19 to 21 March (private sector) or 19 to 22 March (federal)
- Eid Al Adha and Arafat Day: 26 to 29 May
- Islamic New Year: Approximately mid-September
- Prophet’s Birthday: Approximately mid-November
Do not plan final leave arrangements until MOHRE confirms.
Public Holiday Pay: What You Earn
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (UAE Labour Law), if you work on a public holiday, you are entitled to additional pay. This is separate from your annual leave entitlement.
The rule is straightforward:
- If you work on a public holiday, you receive your regular wage for that day plus an increase of at least 50% of your basic salary.
- This applies to both private and public sector employees.
- You also retain the right to a compensatory day off, typically within the same week or a period agreed with your employer.
Example: If your basic salary is AED 10,000 per month, working an 8-hour day on a public holiday earns you (10,000 รท 30) = AED 333.33 for a normal day, plus 50% extra = AED 499.99 for that public holiday day.
Public Holiday vs Annual Leave: The Key Difference
Many employees confuse these. They are legally distinct under UAE Labour Law.
Public Holiday: A day the entire state observes. You do not work. You are paid your full salary. You do not lose annual leave balance. If you work, you receive 50% additional pay plus a compensatory day off.
Annual Leave: Your personal entitlement, typically 21 to 30 days per year depending on seniority and your contract. You use this at times you choose (with employer approval). When you take annual leave, it reduces your leave balance. You are not paid extra; your regular salary continues.
The consequence: do not confuse a public holiday with annual leave. Using annual leave on a public holiday is a waste of your entitlement.
Private Sector vs Public Sector: Minimal Difference
In 2026, public and private sector employees enjoy nearly identical public holidays. The main variation is Eid Al Fitr, where federal sector workers receive one extra day (typically a 4-day break instead of 3 days).
According to MOHRE, Cabinet Decision 27/2024 ensures consistency across both sectors. Your sector should not be a reason to receive fewer public holiday days.
What Happens If You Work on a Public Holiday
Your employer must get explicit agreement from you before requiring work on a public holiday. You cannot be forced to work without consent and appropriate compensation.
If you do work:
- You receive 100% of your daily wage plus a 50% increase (1.5x your daily rate).
- You are entitled to a compensatory day off within the same week or within a timeframe your contract specifies.
- If your employer fails to provide a compensatory day, the pay increase rises to 100% extra (2x your daily rate).
Many hospitality, healthcare, and retail roles require public holiday work. If this applies to you, confirm your compensation clause with your employer in writing.
Ramadan and Working Hours
Ramadan is not a public holiday, but working hours reduce by 2 hours daily during this month. The precise dates for Ramadan 2026 depend on the lunar calendar, so watch for official announcements.
During Ramadan, you work the same daily tasks but complete them in a 6-hour day instead of 8 hours. You are paid your regular salary in full. Overtime still applies if you exceed your reduced hours.
Planning for 2026: Employer and Employee Checklist
For Employers:
- Notify staff of fixed public holidays (1 Jan, 1 Dec, 2 Dec, 3 Dec) immediately.
- Await official MOHRE and FAHR announcements for Islamic dates before finalising rosters.
- Clarify public holiday pay policy in your staff handbook and employment contracts.
- Brief payroll and HR teams on the compensation formula to avoid underpayment.
For Employees:
- Mark fixed holidays on your personal calendar now.
- Clarify with your manager whether you will be required to work on public holidays.
- Understand your compensation entitlement if you do work.
- Do not confuse public holidays with annual leave in your leave planning.
FAQ
A: Nearly identical. Both follow Cabinet Decision 27/2024. The only variation is Eid Al Fitr, where federal employees receive one additional day.
A: No. According to UAE Labour Law, public holidays are mandatory rest days. Your employer must obtain your written consent and provide 50% additional pay plus a compensatory day off.
A: No. Eid dates depend on lunar sightings. The government announces confirmed dates approximately two weeks before each observance. Watch MOHRE announcements closely.
A: No. Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are not transferred if they coincide with weekends. However, if a fixed holiday like National Day falls on a Friday, you may receive a compensatory day. Confirm with your employer.
A: No. Ramadan is not a public holiday, but working hours are reduced by 2 hours daily. You are still paid your full monthly salary.
Final Word
The 2026 UAE public holiday calendar is now clear for fixed dates. Islamic dates will follow once the lunar calendar is confirmed. Mark your calendar. Understand your pay entitlements. Clarify with your employer if you’re expected to work.
Public holidays are a legal right, not a privilege. Use them wisely, and ensure your employer respects them.
For more detail on how these holidays interact with your annual leave entitlement, review the Annual Leave Calculator. To understand overtime pay if you work extended hours during this period, see the Overtime Calculator UAE. For a broader overview of your employment rights, consult the UAE Labour Law Quick Answers.
Sources
- UAE Government. Cabinet Decision 27/2024 on Official Holidays in the State. Retrieved 2026.
- MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation). Public Holidays and Employee Entitlements Guidance. Retrieved 2026.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Concerning Regulating Labour Relations (UAE Labour Law).
- FAHR (Federal Authority for Government Human Resources). 2026 Public Holiday Calendar. Retrieved 2026.
- Gulf News. UAE Public Holidays 2026: Official Dates and Entitlements. 2025.
