UAE public holidays 2026 could bring more long weekends than you think
We’ve already ticked off a few public holidays this year, and after the March break for Eid Al Adha, there’s more to look forward to. From June onwards, the UAE calendar brings a run of long weekends and key dates – the perfect excuse to plan trips, book staycations or simply make the most of your time off. Here’s how to get ahead and make the most of the remaining public holidays in 2026.
The next break on the calendar
Next up on the UAE public holidays calendar is Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year. The holiday is expected to fall on either Tuesday June 16 or Wednesday June 17, 2026, although the official date will be confirmed following moon sighting.
More UAE public holidays to look forward to
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: August 24, 2026 (subject to moon sighting)
- Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day): December 2 to 3, 2026
Keep in mind: Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, so final dates are confirmed closer to the day.
How UAE public holidays are determined
There are two types of holidays in the UAE:
Fixed Gregorian holidays
Same date every year (e.g., New Year’s Day, National Day)
Lunar-based Islamic holidays
Dates change each year based on the Hijri calendar and crescent moon sightings (e.g., Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha)
Rules you should know
- Some holidays can be shifted to the start or end of the week to create longer breaks, except for Eid holidays
- If a holiday lands on a weekend or overlaps another holiday, it doesn’t get carried forward
- Local governments may declare extra holidays for special occasions
School holidays 2026
- Winter: December 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Spring & Eid Al Fitr: March 16 to 29, 2026
- Mid-term & Eid Al Adha: May 25 to 29, 2026
- Hijri New Year: June 17, 2026
- Summer Break (staff/admin): From July 18, 2026
Image: Archive
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