Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Next holiday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, August 25, 2026 |
| Total 2026 holidays | 13 days across 8 events |
| Next long weekend | UAE National Day, December 2–3 |
| Governing law | UAE Labour Law |
| Holiday type mix | Islamic (lunar) and National (fixed) |
| Confirms Islamic dates | UAE moon sighting committee |
UAE Holiday Calendar: What Is Left in 2026
The UAE follows a mix of Islamic holidays and national holidays. Islamic dates move each year. They follow the lunar calendar. National dates stay fixed. Below is what remains for the rest of 2026.
| Holiday | Expected Date | Days Off |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | 1 day |
| Commemoration Day | Monday, November 30, 2026 | No day off |
| UAE National Day | Wednesday–Thursday, December 2–3, 2026 | 2 days |
These three events are the upcoming holidays left on the UAE calendar this year. Let’s look at each one in detail.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Eid Milad un Nabi)
This holiday falls on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal. That is the third month of the Islamic calendar. It is expected on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The UAE Cabinet may shift the holiday to create a longer weekend. This has happened in past years for single-day holidays.
Muslims mark this day with prayers and community events. Mosques hold special gatherings. Families often share meals together. Offices, schools, and most government departments close for the day.
Private sector staff should check with HR. Some companies confirm the holiday only a few days before it happens. This is normal in the UAE. The government issues the final word close to the date.
Commemoration Day (November 30)
Commemoration Day honors UAE soldiers and citizens who died serving the nation. It falls every year on November 30. This day was once called Martyrs’ Day.
There is no separate day off for Commemoration Day. It sits right before the National Day break. Many offices hold short ceremonies. Flags across the country fly at half-mast that morning. The tone of this day is quiet and respectful, not festive.
UAE National Day (December 2–3)
UAE National Day is the biggest event on the calendar. It marks the day the seven emirates joined together in 1971. Those emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
The holiday runs for two days, December 2 and December 3, 2026. Cities light up with fireworks. Streets fill with flags and lights in red, green, white, and black. Dubai and Abu Dhabi host large public shows. Car parades are common in most neighborhoods.
This holiday often connects to the weekend. That gives residents a longer break without using annual leave. Many families use this time to travel within the UAE or abroad.
Read Also: Is It Safe to Travel to Dubai? Latest Advice
Full 2026 Holiday List (For Reference)
Some readers want the complete year, not just what is left. Here is the full list for 2026. Dates already passed are marked for context.
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Status |
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 | Passed |
| Eid Al Fitr | March 19–22 | Passed |
| Arafat Day | May 26 | Passed |
| Eid Al Adha | May 27–29 | Passed |
| Islamic New Year | June 16 | Passed |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | August 25 | Upcoming |
| Commemoration Day | November 30 | Upcoming (no day off) |
| UAE National Day | December 2–3 | Upcoming |
Islamic dates in this table are based on moon sighting. Official confirmation can move a date by one day. This applies to Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day, Islamic New Year, and the Prophet’s Birthday.
Why UAE Holiday Dates Change
Two types of holidays exist in the UAE. National holidays use the Gregorian calendar. These dates are fixed every year. New Year’s Day and National Day fall on the same date each time.
Islamic holidays use the Hijri calendar. This calendar is lunar, not solar. A lunar year is shorter than a solar year. This means Islamic holidays shift earlier by about ten days each year.
The UAE moon sighting committee confirms the start of each Islamic month. This committee watches the sky the evening before a holiday might start. If the moon is sighted, the new month begins the next day. If not, the current month adds one more day. This is why exact Eid dates come as a surprise announcement.
How the UAE Decides Long Weekends
The UAE Cabinet sometimes moves a single-day holiday to the nearest Thursday or Sunday. This creates a longer break for workers. It does not happen every year. It depends on the Cabinet’s decision, usually announced close to the date.
For example, if a holiday lands on a Wednesday, the Cabinet may add Thursday off too. This turns a one-day holiday into a four-day weekend, since Friday and Saturday are already off for most workers.
Private companies do not always match public sector announcements right away. Check your employer’s HR portal for the final word.
Holiday Pay Rules in the UAE
UAE Labour Law covers pay for employees who work during a public holiday. Workers who work on a holiday get one of two things. They get a normal day off in place of the holiday. Or they get extra pay on top of their normal wage.
The exact rule depends on the job contract and the sector. Government workers may follow different rules than private sector staff. Free zone companies sometimes set their own policies too. Always check your contract or ask HR directly.
Tips for Planning Around UAE Holidays
Book flights and hotels early for National Day in December. Prices rise fast close to the holiday. The same applies to Eid holidays each year.
Watch for Cabinet announcements about extra days off. These often come out just days before a holiday starts. Follow official UAE government channels for the fastest updates.
Keep in mind that school holidays do not always match public holidays. Schools often have their own separate calendar. Check with your child’s school directly for their exact dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next holiday in UAE?
The next holiday is Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday. It falls on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, based on current estimates.
Is Commemoration Day a day off in UAE?
No. Commemoration Day on November 30 is not a paid day off. It is a day of remembrance with short ceremonies.
How many public holidays does UAE have in 2026?
The UAE observes around 13 public holiday days across 8 separate events in 2026, based on official and expected dates.
When is UAE National Day 2026?
UAE National Day falls on December 2 and 3, 2026. It marks 55 years since the union of the seven emirates.
Why do Islamic holiday dates change every year?
Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar. This calendar is shorter than the solar year. Dates shift back by about ten days annually.
Do private companies follow the same holiday dates as the government?
Mostly yes, but not always right away. Some private firms and free zones confirm dates a few days later than the government.
What happens if I work on a public holiday in UAE?
You are entitled to either a replacement day off or extra pay. The exact rule depends on your employment contract and sector.
