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As the year unfolds and our calendars continue to fill out, here at GRAZIA we’re always foward planning.
With New Year’s Day and Eid Al Fitr now behind us, our attention has turned to the next major moments in the UAE public holiday calendar – specifically Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha. In fact, these back-to-back public holiday days are set to deliver one of the longest breaks for 2026.
The 2026 UAE public holidays
While many dates are already projected, which GRAZIA is here to bring you all the details, it’s important to note are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and will be confirmed closer to the time by UAE authorities following moon sightings.
Regardless, the GRAZIA team is here to keep you in the know with an updated guide to the remaining public holidays for 2026.
New Year’s Day (Passed)
Kicking off the year and the annual fresh start, January 1, 2026, marks the first official public holiday of the year across all of the UAE. Falling on a Thursday, New Year’s Day serves as a refreshing mid-week break.
Eid Al-Fitr (passed)
Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr was expected to fall between March 20 and March 22, 2026, delivering the first long weekend of the year.
The remaining UAE public holidays of 2026
Arafat Day (Upcoming)
Looking ahead, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. This is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, precedes Eid Al Adha and marks a key moment during the Hajj pilgrimage. As a standalone public holiday, it sets the tone for the extended break that follows.
Eid al-Adha (Upcoming)
Immediately following Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha is forecast to run from Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29, 2026. This means, combining Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha, there could potentially be a five-day break, making it the ideal time to plan your Q2 getaway.
Islamic New Year
Marking the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar, the Islamic New Year is forecasted to fall either on Tuesday, June 16, or Wednesday, June 17, 2026, subject to moon sightings.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
Arriving as summer comes to a close, the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is expected to be observed on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, giving a one-day break to rest and reset before the busy back-to-work season begins.
Commemoration Day
Observed annually on December 1, Commemoration Day honours the UAE’s martyrs. In 2026, it falls on a Tuesday.
UAE National Day
Closing out the year, UAE National Day will be celebrated on December 2 and 3, 2026. Paired with Commemoration Day, it creates a three-day break to round off the calendar.
