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As we approach the end of the summer, back-to-work mode is officially on.
However, with only a handful of public holidays left in 2025, the GRAZIA team are shamelessly looking ahead to 2026 (purely for planning purposes, of course).
From January 1 to Eid Adha, there are a whole host of celebrations next year in the UAE, which the GRAZIA team outlines below.
New Year’s Day
The first day of the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Day, observed on January 1, 2026, is going to be a public holiday across the UAE. Falling on a Thursday, employees across the public and private sectors will be expected back to work on Friday, January 2.
Eid Al-Fitr
Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The holiday is also known as the ‘Festival of Breaking Fast’, it is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Depending on the sighting of the moon, Eid Al-Fitr is expected to fall in mid-March.
Astronomers have estimated the beginning of Ramadan to be on the evening of February 16, a Monday, and will end around March 18, depending on the sighting of the moon. Following this, Eid Al-Fitr is likely to fall from Wednesday, March 18, to Friday, March 20, and with the weekend included, it could be a five-day break.
Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha
Arafat Day, or the Day of Arafat, is an Islamic Holiday which falls on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah and commemorates the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj, marking the end of spiritual reflection and unity. It falls one day before the festival of Eid Al Adha, ‘The Festival of Sacrifice’, taking place from Dhu Hijjah 10 to 12.
Subject to moon sightings, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26, with the following day, May 27, expected to mark the beginning of Eid Al Adha. Including the weekend, we may get a six-day break with employees returning to work on June 1.
Islamic New Year
The Hijri New Year, also known as the Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. It falls on Muharram 1 in the Islamic calendar, which is predicted to fall on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is celebrated on the 12th day of the Islamic lunar month of Rabi’ al-awwal. In accordance with the sighting of the moon, it’s expected to fall on Wednesday, August 1, 2026.
Commemoration Day & UAE National Day
Commemoration Day, previously known as Martyrs’ Day, recognises the sacrifice and dedication of Emirati soldiers who have given their lives in service to the country. National Day marks the day the seven Emirates came together and united to become the United Arab Emirates under the leadership and guidance of the Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed. In 2025, Commemoration Day will fall on Monday, November 30 and the National Day holiday will be December 2 and December 3.
