As families begin planning their 2026 schedules, the UAE’s predicted public holiday calendar offers multiple opportunities for long weekends and extended family time.
While some dates are fixed, others -- especially Islamic holidays -- depend on moon sightings and may shift slightly. Based on astronomical data and previous UAE Cabinet resolutions, residents can expect at least 12 public holidays in 2026.
Key predicted UAE public holidays for 2026
The following dates provide a strong indication of how the holiday calendar will shape up next year:
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January 1: New Year’s Day
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Shawwal 1–3: Eid Al Fitr
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Dhu Al Hijjah 9: Arafat Day
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Dhu Al Hijjah 10–12: Eid Al Adha
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Muharram 1: Islamic New Year
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Rabi Al Awwal 12: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
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December 2–3: Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)
Expect long weekends throughout year
Eid Al Fitr 2026
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Expected dates: Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22
This could bring a three-day weekend as Ramadan comes to an end.
Eid Al Adha 2026
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Expected dates: Tuesday, May 26 (Arafat Day) to Friday, May 29
Residents may enjoy a six-day break when combined with the weekend—one of the longest holidays of the year.
Eid Al Etihad 2026
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December 2–3 (Wednesday and Thursday):
A mid-week holiday that could create a four-day weekend with Friday and Saturday.
All Islamic holidays remain subject to official moon sightings, and the UAE government will confirm dates closer to each holiday.
How UAE public holidays are determined
UAE public holidays derive from two sources:
1. Gregorian calendar (fixed dates)
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New Year’s Day
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Eid Al Etihad (National Day)
2. Islamic lunar calendar (variable dates)
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Eid Al Fitr
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Eid Al Adha
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Hijri New Year
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Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
Islamic dates shift each year because the Hijri calendar is 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
Holiday rules you should know
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Under Cabinet Resolution No 27 of 2024, some holidays may be shifted to the beginning or end of the week to create long weekends (except Eid holidays).
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Holidays that fall on weekends are not moved forward.
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Local authorities may declare additional holidays for special events.
School holidays across UAE in 2026
MOE curriculum schools
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Winter Break: Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
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Spring Break & Eid Al Fitr: Mar 16 – 29
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Mid-Term Break & Eid Al Adha: May 25 – 29
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Hijri New Year: Jun 17
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Summer Break (staff): Starts Jul 18
Dubai private schools (KHDA)
Schools starting April (2025–2026)
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Winter Break: Dec 15 – Jan 5
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Spring Break: Mar 16 – 30
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Academic Year Ends: Mar 30, 2026
Schools starting September (2025–2026)
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Winter Break: Dec 15 – Jan 5
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Spring Break: Mar 16 – 30
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Academic Year Ends: Mar 3, 2026
The primary reason is the combination of fixed Gregorian holidays and shifting Islamic lunar dates. Astronomical predictions provide early guidance, but final confirmation always comes from official moon sightings and UAE government announcements.
