The UAE observes a mix of fixed national holidays and Islamic holidays that follow the Hijri lunar calendar. For travellers and residents planning around them, the key distinction is that fixed-date holidays fall on the same Gregorian date every year, while Islamic holidays shift roughly 10-11 days earlier each year and are only confirmed by the UAE government after official moon sighting - sometimes just 1-2 days before the holiday begins.
This guide lists the full 2026 and 2027 UAE public holiday calendars with exact or expected dates, explains which holidays apply to all sectors versus the public sector only, and covers the practical reality of what closes, what stays open, and how Ramadan affects daily life.
UAE Weekend: Saturday-Sunday Since 2022
Before planning around public holidays, note that the UAE changed its official weekend on 1 January 2022. The previous Thursday-Friday weekend was replaced with Saturday-Sunday to align with global business practices. This applies to:
- All federal and emirate government employees
- Public schools and universities
- Most banks and financial institutions
- Many large private sector employers
Some smaller businesses and labour-intensive industries still observe Friday as a day off (for Jumu’ah prayers) and may follow a modified Friday-Saturday or Friday-only weekend. Check with any specific business before visiting.
Friday noon prayers remain significant - most mosques hold Jumu’ah between approximately 12:00 and 13:30, and some small shops close briefly during this time.
2026 UAE Public Holidays - Full Calendar
All 13 public holidays apply to both the public and private sectors unless noted.
| Holiday | Date(s) | Day(s) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday | Fixed |
| Isra Mi’raj (Prophet’s Night Journey) | 27 January 2026 | Tuesday | Islamic |
| Eid Al Fitr | 19–22 March 2026 | Thu–Sun | Islamic |
| Arafat Day | 26 May 2026 | Tuesday | Islamic |
| Eid Al Adha | 27–29 May 2026 | Wed–Fri | Islamic |
| Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) | 16 June 2026 | Tuesday | Islamic |
| Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) | 25 August 2026 | Tuesday | Islamic |
| Commemoration Day | 1 December 2026 | Tuesday | Fixed |
| UAE National Day | 2–3 December 2026 | Wed–Thu | Fixed |
All Islamic dates above are subject to official moon sighting confirmation. The UAE Moon Sighting Committee makes the formal announcement, after which the government publishes the holiday notice. Banks, courts, and government offices observe the announced dates immediately. Eid Al Fitr 2026 ran 19-22 March (4 days), which is slightly longer than the minimum 3 days - the government extended it.
2027 UAE Public Holidays - Full Calendar
| Holiday | Expected Date(s) | Day(s) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2027 | Friday | Fixed |
| Isra Mi’raj (Prophet’s Night Journey) | ~13 January 2027 | Wednesday | Islamic |
| Eid Al Fitr | ~9–11 March 2027 | Tue–Thu | Islamic |
| Arafat Day | ~15 May 2027 | Saturday | Islamic |
| Eid Al Adha | ~16–18 May 2027 | Sun–Tue | Islamic |
| Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) | ~6 June 2027 | Sunday | Islamic |
| Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) | ~14 August 2027 | Saturday | Islamic |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November 2027 | Tuesday | Fixed |
| UAE National Day | 2–3 December 2027 | Thu–Fri | Fixed |
Dates marked with ~ are projected from astronomical calculations and will be confirmed by official moon sighting. Expect each to fall within 1-2 days of the expected date. The UAE government typically confirms Islamic holiday dates with 24-48 hours’ notice.
How Islamic Holidays Work in the UAE
Islamic holidays are tied to the Hijri lunar calendar, which has 12 months of 29 or 30 days and is approximately 354 days long - about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. This is why Islamic holidays move roughly 10-11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. The UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee meets on the 29th of each Hijri month; if the crescent moon is visible, the new month begins the next day. If not, the month extends to 30 days. This is why Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha cannot be confirmed in advance to the exact day - it depends on actual visibility conditions.
Practical impact: Airlines, hotels, and tour operators publish expected dates based on astronomical calculation. These are almost always correct to within one day. The UAE government releases the official announcement once the moon is sighted, and all public and private sector employers must follow the announced dates.
Public Sector vs Private Sector
All 13 UAE public holidays apply to both the public and private sectors under UAE Labour Law. Private sector employers are required to grant the announced holiday, though some businesses - particularly in hospitality, retail, and manufacturing - operate throughout holidays (employees in these sectors receive compensatory rest days or additional pay as specified in their contracts).
Public sector only adjustments: Government offices often receive additional days around major Eid holidays at the discretion of the relevant authority. In 2026, several federal agencies extended the Eid Al Fitr break to 5 days rather than the announced 4. These extensions are not always applied to the private sector.
Eid Al Fitr: End of Ramadan
Eid Al Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the month of fasting. In 2026 it ran 19-22 March (4 days). In 2027 it is expected around 9-11 March (3 days, possibly 4 depending on whether Ramadan in 2027 runs 29 or 30 days).
What closes: All government offices, courts, schools, and banks close for the full announced period.
What stays open: All malls, most restaurants, tourist attractions, and hotels. The Eid period is the UAE’s biggest shopping event of the year - Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Yas Mall run major Eid promotions. The Gold Souk in Deira operates throughout. Hotel restaurants offer special Eid brunches at approximately AED 150-350 per person.
For travellers: Airport traffic surges significantly in the days before and after Eid. Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi both see peak volumes. Pre-book transfers and arrive at the airport with at least 3 hours for international departures.
Eid Al Adha: Feast of Sacrifice
Eid Al Adha commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son and coincides with the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage. In the UAE it is a 4-day holiday (Arafat Day plus three days of Eid). In 2026 it ran 26-29 May. In 2027 it is expected around 15-18 May.
Both 2026 and 2027 Eid Al Adha fall in May - temperatures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi average 38-40°C at this time of year, with high humidity on coastal days. The number of incoming tourists is lower than peak winter months, which means attractions are quieter but outdoor sightseeing is limited to early mornings.
The same closure rules apply as Eid Al Fitr: government, banks, schools, and courts close. Malls and attractions stay open.
Isra Mi’raj: One-Day Holiday
Isra Mi’raj marks the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascent to heaven, observed on the 27th of Rajab. It is a single-day public holiday applying to both sectors. Impact on travellers is minimal - government offices close, but malls, restaurants, transport, and all tourist venues operate normally.
In 2026 it fell on 27 January. In 2027 it is expected around 13 January.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
Marks the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Islamic year. A single-day holiday. In 2026 it fell on 16 June 2026 (beginning of year 1448 AH). In 2027 it is expected around 6 June 2027 (beginning of year 1449 AH).
Visitor impact is minimal. Unlike the Persian New Year (Nowruz), the Islamic New Year is observed quietly - no large public celebrations.
Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)
Known as Mawlid al-Nabi - a one-day holiday marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal. In 2026 it fell on 25 August. In 2027 it is expected around 14 August.
Both dates fall in peak summer. August in the UAE averages 40-42°C with high humidity; most tourists are not visiting at this time anyway. Government offices close. Mosques hold special prayers and recitations in the evenings.
Commemoration Day: 30 November (or nearest weekday)
A national day of remembrance for UAE soldiers who died in service. Observed with solemnity - public celebrations and music are toned down. The UAE flag flies at half-mast on government buildings. It is a single-day public holiday. In 2026 it falls on 1 December (the government moved it from Sunday 30 November to the following weekday). In 2027 it falls on 30 November (Tuesday).
Tourist venues, malls, and restaurants operate normally. Fireworks and loud entertainment are generally avoided on this date.
UAE National Day: 2-3 December
The UAE’s most significant national celebration, marking the federation of seven emirates on 2 December 1971. The two-day holiday is the year’s most visible public event.
What to expect:
- Fireworks: Dubai launches displays over Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Creek on the evening of 2 December. Abu Dhabi does the same over the Corniche. In 2026, the displays are on Wednesday 2 December evening.
- Air show: The UAE Air Force aerobatics team performs over Al Ain and sometimes Dubai.
- Car convoys: Residents participate in car convoys with UAE flag colours (green, white, black, red). Expect heavy congestion on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, and the Abu Dhabi-Dubai E11 on the evening of 2 December.
- Retail: Major UAE National Day sales run across malls and e-commerce platforms in the days surrounding the holiday.
- Hotels: Most UAE residents use National Day to travel internationally. Book hotels early if you are arriving during this window - rates rise 20-40% from the surrounding weeks.
In 2027, National Day falls on 2-3 December (Thursday-Friday), creating a 4-day weekend when combined with the weekend (Friday is part of the UAE’s traditional prayer day and Sat-Sun weekend). Expect heavy travel demand.
Ramadan: Not a Holiday, But Major Daily Impact
Ramadan is not classified as a public holiday, but it significantly changes daily life in the UAE for 29-30 days. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to begin around 17 February and run until approximately 18 March.
Rules that apply to everyone, including non-Muslims:
- Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is illegal under UAE law. This applies to all residents and visitors. Violations can result in fines. Eating discreetly in a parked car is generally tolerated but not risk-free.
- Government offices and many businesses operate reduced hours: typically 09:00-14:30.
- Most restaurants close for lunch and open from Iftar (sunset) - approximately 18:30-19:00 in February/March 2027.
- Hotel restaurants and cafés within hotels typically remain open throughout the day.
- Loud music in public is restricted during Ramadan.
After dark during Ramadan: The UAE comes alive from Iftar onwards. Shisha cafés, restaurants, and malls stay open until 02:00 or later. Many hotels run all-you-can-eat Iftar buffets from approximately AED 120-300 per person - a popular experience for visitors.
Alcohol: Licensed hotel bars and restaurants continue to serve alcohol during Ramadan, but some reduce hours and do not serve before Iftar. Non-hotel licensed venues (a small number exist in Dubai and Abu Dhabi) may restrict service more heavily. Expect slightly reduced availability overall.
For a full breakdown, see our Ramadan in UAE guide.
Rules for Non-Muslims During Holidays
Eid: Non-Muslims are welcome to participate in Eid celebrations - visiting markets, attending public fireworks, and eating at open restaurants. There is no religious obligation and no restrictions on non-Muslim visitors during Eid.
Dress codes during Islamic holidays: The standard UAE dress code applies throughout the year - shoulders and knees covered in malls, markets, and public spaces outside the beach. During Ramadan and Eid, more conservative dress is appropriate out of respect, particularly in traditional areas such as Deira, Karama, and Old Dubai.
Alcohol on Eid days: Licensed venues continue to operate during Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. There is no suspension of licensed alcohol service during Eid (unlike Ramadan, which has partial restrictions).
Practical Tips for Travellers
Pre-book airport transfers. The days before and after Eid are among the busiest at Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International (AUH). Standard taxi queues can run 30-60 minutes at peak hours. Pre-booking a private airport transfer eliminates this.
Lock in hotel rates early. Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and UAE National Day all push Dubai and Abu Dhabi hotel rates up 20-40% from baseline. Book three to four weeks ahead for these windows.
Government tasks: avoid holiday week entirely. If you need a visa extension, Emirates ID processing, or any government office appointment, do not schedule it in the same week as any Islamic holiday. Many services slow or go offline in the 2-3 days preceding and following major Islamic holidays. Wait times become unpredictable.
Banks: All UAE banks (Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, Mashreq, RAKBank) close on public holidays. ATMs remain fully operational. Online banking and UAE mobile payment apps (like UAE Pass-integrated services) are unaffected.
Attractions and queues: Major attractions - Burj Khalifa At The Top, Dubai Frame, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi - see peak queues during Eid weekends. Book tickets online in advance to skip same-day queues. Some attractions sell out completely during the Eid period.
Long weekends: In 2027, several public holidays fall adjacent to the Saturday-Sunday weekend, creating extended breaks. Eid Al Fitr (Tue-Thu, ~9-11 March) followed by the weekend creates a 5-day break. UAE National Day (Thu-Fri, 2-3 December) creates a 4-day break. Plan hotel stays and road trips accordingly - highway traffic on E11 and E66 is heavy at the start and end of long weekends.
Related reading: Eid Al Fitr in the UAE | Eid Al Adha in the UAE | Ramadan in the UAE
Dates for major festivals and public events are time-bound, so see our UAE events calendar for what is on and when.
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