The UAE observes a combination of fixed national holidays and Islamic holidays that follow the lunar Hijri calendar. Understanding which is which matters for planning — Islamic holidays shift by roughly 10-11 days each Gregorian year, and their exact start dates depend on moon sighting rather than a fixed calendar, so they are announced by the UAE government 1-2 days before they begin.
This guide covers the full 2026 UAE public holiday calendar with expected dates, practical notes on what stays open, and advice for visitors affected by each holiday.
How UAE Public Holidays Work
Fixed-date holidays fall on the same Gregorian date every year:
- New Year’s Day: 1 January
- Commemoration Day: 30 November
- UAE National Day: 2-3 December
Islamic holidays are calculated from the Hijri lunar calendar and shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each Gregorian year. The government announces exact dates following official moon sighting — typically 1-2 days before the holiday begins. Banks, courts, and government offices follow the official announcement. Private sector businesses are required to give employees the announced holiday, though some observe a day earlier or later depending on operational needs.
UAE Public Holidays 2026 — Full Calendar
| Holiday | Expected Date(s) | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | Fixed | 1 day |
| Isra Mi’raj | 26 January 2026 (approx.) | Islamic | 1 day |
| Arafat Day / Eid Al Adha | 26-29 June 2026 (approx.) | Islamic | 4 days |
| Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) | 16 July 2026 (approx.) | Islamic | 1 day |
| Prophet’s Birthday | 14 September 2026 (approx.) | Islamic | 1 day |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November 2026 | Fixed | 1 day |
| UAE National Day | 2-3 December 2026 | Fixed | 2 days |
Note on Eid Al Fitr 2026: Eid Al Fitr falls in late March 2026 (approximately 19-21 March) — this means it lands at the very end of Q1 and the official holiday (typically 3 days) straddles the end of Ramadan and the start of the month of Shawwal. The exact dates will be confirmed by the UAE government following moon sighting.
All Islamic dates above are estimates based on astronomical calculations as of 2026. Always check the UAE government announcements (federal.ae or the relevant emirate’s media office) for confirmed dates.
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Approximately 19-21 March
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The holiday typically lasts 3 days in the UAE (sometimes extended by the government to 4-5 days in the private sector). It is the most widely celebrated holiday in the country.
What to expect as a visitor:
Malls, restaurants, and tourist attractions remain open and are often extremely busy. The Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa light shows, and global village (if still running in late March) see large crowds. Airport traffic surges significantly in the days before and after Eid — book flights early and arrive at the airport with extra time.
What closes: All government offices, courts, schools, and banks observe the full holiday. Many corporate head offices reduce operations or close entirely.
Shopping: The Eid period is a major retail event. Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Yas Mall run significant Eid promotions. Gold Souk stays open throughout. Fashion and electronics see large discounts.
Food: Traditional Eid foods include luqaimat (sweet fried dough), dates, harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat), and machboos. Many UAE hotels offer Eid brunches and special menus. Restaurants in Deira and Karama — popular with South Asian and Arab communities — are packed and may have waiting times.
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha 2026: Approximately 26-29 June
Eid Al Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It is a 4-day holiday in the UAE, beginning with Arafat Day on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
Note for visitors: Late June in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is peak summer heat — temperatures regularly reach 42-45 degrees Celsius with high humidity. Tourist footfall is lower than at any other holiday, which means attractions are quieter but outdoor activities are very limited during daylight hours.
What closes: The same government, banking, and corporate closures as Eid Al Fitr. Livestock markets and abattoirs operate at increased capacity in some areas.
What stays open: All malls, most restaurants, all major attractions. The Dubai Desert Safari operators run throughout. Many UAE residents travel abroad during this period, which means slightly reduced local traffic on roads.
Isra Mi’raj 2026: Approximately 26 January
This one-day holiday marks the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey. A single day off for public sector employees. Private sector businesses often observe the holiday but it is less universally disrupting than Eid.
Impact on visitors: Very minimal. Malls, restaurants, and all tourist venues operate normally. Expect light disruption only to government-facing appointments.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) 2026: Approximately 16 July
Marks the beginning of the Islamic year 1448 AH. One day off for public sector employees. Similar to Isra Mi’raj in terms of visitor impact — minimal disruption to tourism.
Prophet’s Birthday 2026: Approximately 14 September
Known as Mawlid al-Nabi. One-day public holiday. September temperatures are still high (35-40 degrees Celsius), so outdoor tourism is limited regardless. Government offices close; malls and attractions open.
Commemoration Day: 30 November
A national day of remembrance for UAE soldiers who died in service. A single public holiday observed with solemnity. Some public events and celebrations are toned down in recognition of the occasion. Government offices and schools close. Tourist venues remain open.
UAE National Day: 2-3 December
The UAE’s most significant national celebration, marking the federation of the seven emirates on 2 December 1971. The two-day holiday typically includes:
- Fireworks: Dubai launches displays over Dubai Creek, Burj Khalifa, and Palm Jumeirah. Abu Dhabi does the same over the Corniche. The 2 December evening show is the headline event.
- Al Ain aerobatic display: The UAE Air Force performs aerobatics over Al Ain during the National Day weekend.
- Car convoys: UAE residents participate in car convoys decorated with national colours (green, white, black, red). Expect road congestion, particularly on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, and the E11 in Abu Dhabi.
- Retail promotions: Major UAE National Day sales run across malls and online retailers in the days surrounding the holiday.
Visitor note: National Day is one of the best times to observe Emirati cultural pride and community celebrations. It is also a popular holiday for UAE residents to travel internationally — airport traffic is heavy on 1-3 December. Book travel and hotel for this period well in advance; rates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi increase significantly.
Ramadan: Not a Public Holiday, but Major Impact
Ramadan is not a public holiday, but it significantly affects daily life in the UAE for approximately 29-30 days. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin around 18-19 February.
During Ramadan:
- Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited by law (this applies to non-Muslims too).
- Most restaurants open for dinner only, from sunset (Iftar) onwards. Major hotel restaurants often have special Iftar buffets from approximately AED 120-250 per person.
- Working hours for government offices and many businesses are reduced (typically 9:00-14:30).
- Nighttime comes alive: shisha cafes, restaurants, and retail stay open until 02:00 or later.
- Alcohol service in licensed venues (hotel bars, licensed restaurants) is typically restricted until after Iftar, and some venues reduce alcohol availability throughout Ramadan.
For a full breakdown, see our Ramadan in UAE guide.
Planning Around UAE Holidays: Practical Advice
Book airport transfers early: The days before and after Eid are among the busiest at Dubai International and Zayed International. Pre-booking a private transfer avoids the taxi queue.
Check hotel rates: Holiday periods push Dubai hotel rates up significantly. Eid Al Fitr and National Day weekends see rates 20-40% above the surrounding weeks.
Government tasks: If you need a visa extension, Emirates ID registration, or any government office visit, avoid the week of any Islamic holiday. Wait times are unpredictable and some services go offline in advance of holidays.
Bank access: UAE banks (ADCB, Emirates NBD, FAB, ENBD, Mashreq) close on public holidays. ATMs continue to operate. Online banking is unaffected.
Related reading: Eid Al Fitr in the UAE and Eid Al Adha in the UAE.