Plan UAE public holidays with long weekends, Eid dates, school breaks and smart leave tips to enjoy more time off across the UAE all year.
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Planning your year gets easier when you know exactly where the breaks fall. The 2026 UAE public holidays calendar offers a rewarding mix of long weekends, spiritual occasions, and national celebrations. With the right approach, these holidays open up real opportunities for rest, travel, and quality time at home.
This guide covers the full outlook for UAE public holidays in 2026, a month-by-month breakdown of key dates, and practical tips to help residents maximize time off. Whether you are planning family trips, staycations, or simply quieter days at home, understanding the 2026 holiday schedule helps you stay ahead.
The 2026 UAE public holidays schedule combines fixed Gregorian holidays with Islamic holidays based on the lunar calendar. This balance shapes how residents experience the year, blending predictability with anticipation.
- At least 12 public holidays are expected across the year.
- Fixed-date holidays such as New Year’s Day and UAE National Day remain consistent.
- Islamic holidays, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, depend on moon sightings, with official confirmation closer to the dates.
- Many holidays align with weekends, creating extended breaks and long weekends.
One of the biggest advantages of the 2026 calendar is how efficiently annual leave can be used.
- By using 9 days of annual leave, residents can potentially enjoy up to 38 days off.
- Pairing leave days with public holidays and weekends unlocks longer rest periods.
- This approach is ideal for both travel planning and extended time at home.
UAE public holidays in 2026 reflect the country’s diverse rhythm of life.
- Spiritual reflection during Islamic occasions.
- Cultural and national pride during Commemoration Day and National Day.
- Leisure and travel opportunities during longer holiday stretches.
For busy households, these breaks are also the perfect time to reset routines and enjoy a well-deserved pause.
Understanding how holidays fall each month helps you plan ahead with confidence. Below is a detailed month-by-month look at UAE public holidays in 2026, including long weekends and school calendar notes.
January opens the year with one of the most anticipated UAE public holidays.
- Falls on: Thursday
- Holiday stretch: Thursday to Sunday, January 1 to 4
- Result: A four-day-long weekend
This timing makes New Year’s Day one of the strongest long weekends in the 2026 UAE public holidays calendar.
Across the UAE, New Year celebrations are vibrant and family-friendly.
- Fireworks displays light up Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.
- Outdoor concerts, hotel events, and beachside dinners draw crowds.
- Many families choose relaxed home gatherings to welcome the year.
- UAE schools are scheduled to reopen on January 5, 2026, following the winter break.
- Families can enjoy uninterrupted time together before routines resume.
This long weekend sets the tone for a year filled with well-timed breaks.
March brings one of the most meaningful Islamic holidays in the UAE calendar.
- Expected dates: Friday to Monday
- Duration: Four-day long weekend
- Marks: The end of Ramadan
Final dates depend on moon sightings, with official announcements closer to the holiday.
Eid al-Fitr is deeply rooted in togetherness and gratitude.
- Families attend Eid prayers early in the morning.
- Homes are filled with traditional Emirati dishes like luqaimat and machboos.
- Fireworks and public celebrations often take place at locations such as Dubai Creek and Al Majaz Waterfront.
- Many MOE curricula and Dubai private schools observe Spring Break from March 16 to March 29 or 30.
- This alignment creates an extended family-friendly holiday period.
For parents, this is an ideal time to slow down and enjoy the break without juggling school schedules.
May delivers the most generous holiday stretch in the 2026 UAE public holidays calendar.
- Covers: Tuesday to Saturday
- Potential time off: Up to 6 consecutive days with weekends
- Significance: Known as the Festival of Sacrifice
- Arafat Day is observed with fasting and prayer.
- Eid al-Adha focuses on charity, reflection, and unity.
- Families often host gatherings and share meals.
This long break is perfect for short getaways or local escapes.
- Mountain retreats in Hatta offer cooler air and scenic views.
- Beach trips to Fujairah provide relaxation without a long travel.
- Many residents choose staycations to avoid peak travel crowds.
With smart planning, this period offers true downtime without using excessive leave days.
July introduces a quieter, more reflective public holiday.
- Falls on: Friday
- Creates: A three-day weekend from July 17 to 19
Hijri New Year is observed with calm reflection rather than large celebrations.
- Many residents spend time resting at home.
- It is a moment to reflect and reset during the summer months.
- Workplaces often experience lighter schedules around this period.
- MOE schools are scheduled to begin summer break on July 18, 2026.
- Families can ease into summer routines without immediate school pressure.
This holiday offers a gentle pause in the middle of the year.
September brings a shorter but meaningful break.
- Falls on: Wednesday
- Potential break: Three days from September 16 to 18, with leave planning
- Many attend special prayers and religious talks.
- Others take advantage of the midweek pause for rest.
- Short cultural experiences or quiet staycations are popular choices.
While brief, this holiday provides a welcome reset during a busy season.
November And December UAE Public Holidays 2026. A Patriotic Grand Finale
The year closes with one of the most powerful holiday sequences in the UAE.
- Commemoration Day: Monday, November 30
- UAE National Day: Wednesday and Thursday, December 2 and 3
- Extended break: November 28 to December 2 creates a five day long weekend
- Commemoration Day honors the sacrifices of the UAE’s heroes.
- National Day celebrates the founding of the UAE in 1971.
- The country comes together in pride and unity.
- Air shows, parades, and light festivals fill public spaces.
- Streets and landmarks glow in national colors.
- Families gather to celebrate the nation’s journey and future.
This period is both emotional and festive, closing the year on a high note.
Public holidays are not only about travel. They are also the perfect chance to reset your home and routines.
- Catch up on rest without rushing.
- Spend uninterrupted time with family.
- Enjoy a clean, organized space that supports real relaxation.
When daily tasks are handled, holidays feel longer and more rewarding.
Public holidays are precious. They should feel easy, not busy. This is where Justlife steps in.
Justlife takes care of the everyday tasks that usually fill your time off. From Home Cleaning to other essential home services, everything is handled with care and reliability. You get back hours that matter, especially during long weekends and festive breaks.
Instead of spending your holiday catching up on chores, you can rest, celebrate, or travel knowing your home is in good hands.
- Book trusted professionals in minutes.
- Keep your home ready for guests and celebrations.
- Return from trips to a space that feels fresh and calm.
The 2026 UAE public holidays calendar offers incredible opportunities to slow down and enjoy life. Let Justlife handle the rest so your time off stays exactly that - time off.
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