UAE public holidays 2026:

How to Maximise Your Annual Leave in UAE 2026: Complete Guide to Public Holidays

Dubai: With the New Year approaching, many UAE residents are already planning how to make the most of their annual leave in 2026. By planning early and aligning your leave days with UAE public holidays 2026, you can turn short breaks into long, relaxing vacations.

The UAE has seven official public holidays as outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024. The Gregorian dates for Islamic holidays below are based on predictions from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD). This guide shows you how to maximize your annual leave UAE 2026 with smart scheduling.

1. New Year 2026

Holiday: January 1 (one day)
Book: Friday, January 2
Result: With the weekend added, enjoy a 4-day break using only one annual leave day.

2. Eid Al Fitr 2026

Holiday: Predicted from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 22 (three days)
Book: Take March 16–19 off and return on Monday, March 23
Result: Use five annual leave days for a 7-day holiday during Eid Al Fitr — perfect for spring travel.

3. Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha 2026

Holiday:

• Arafat Day — Tuesday, May 26

• Eid Al Adha — Wednesday to Friday, May 27–29

Book: Monday, May 25
Result: Combine the weekends and enjoy a 9-day break using just one day of annual leave — one of the best hacks for UAE public holidays 2026.

4. Islamic New Year 2026

Holiday: Wednesday, June 17
Book: Thursday, June 18, and Friday, June 19
Result: Turn a midweek holiday into a 5-day long weekend.

5. Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday 2026

Holiday: Predicted for Tuesday, August 25
Book: Monday, August 24
Result: Create a 4-day weekend with just one leave day.

6. UAE National Day 2026 (Eid Al Etihad)

Holiday:

• Commemoration Day — Tuesday, December 1

• National Day — Wednesday & Thursday, December 2–3

Book: Monday, November 30; Tuesday, December 1; and Friday, December 4
Result: Enjoy a 9-day holiday to end the year by combining weekends and public holidays.