UAE Public Holidays 2026: With the New Year fast approaching, many UAE residents are already planning how to stretch their annual leave in 2026. With smart planning and early leave requests, it’s possible to turn a handful of leave days into multiple long holidays by combining them with UAE public holidays.
The UAE officially observes seven public holidays, as outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024 on Public Holidays. While fixed-date holidays are confirmed in advance, Islamic holidays are based on moon sightings, with dates predicted by authorities such as the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai.
UAE Public Holidays 2026
How to Maximise Your Annual Leave in 2026
| Holiday | Public / Predicted Dates | Leave Days to Book | Total Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year Holiday | Thu, Jan 1 | Fri, Jan 2 | 4 days |
| Eid Al Fitr | Fri–Sun, Mar 20–22 | Mar 16–19 | 7 days |
| Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha | May 26–29 (Tue–Fri) | Mon, May 25 | 9 days |
| Islamic New Year | Mid-June (likely Monday) | Thu & Fri after holiday | 5 days |
| Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday | Likely Mon, Aug 24 | 1 adjacent working day | 4 days |
Final Leave Calculation for 2026
- Total public holidays: 13 days
- Annual leave used: 9 days
- Total time off work: Up to 38 days
This makes 2026 an excellent year for long breaks with minimal leave usage.
What Is “Sandwich Leave” in the UAE?
Under Article 29 (7) of the UAE Federal Labour Law, if an official public holiday falls during your approved annual leave, it is counted as part of the leave period, unless your employment contract states otherwise.
This practice is commonly known as sandwich leave. Some employers may offer more favourable policies, so it’s always best to check your HR guidelines.
Will Any Holidays Be Moved?
Yes. UAE public holiday law allows mid-week Islamic holidays to be moved to the start or end of the week, creating long weekends. In 2026, several holidays are expected to benefit from this rule.
Major Events in Early 2026 (UAE)
- Dubai Kizomba Fusion x ILKSF – January 8, Dubai
- Al Shira’aa Horse Show Abu Dhabi – January 20
- Emirates LitFest – January 21, Dubai
- THE ART FEST International – January 23
- Quoz Arts Fest – January 24
- Xposure Photography Festival – January 29, Sharjah
- Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 – February 6
- RAK Art Festival – January 16 to February 8
Hotels & Places to Visit (UAE – 2026 Holidays)
| Holiday / Season | Recommended Hotels | Places to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| New Year (Jan) | Atlantis The Palm, Rove Downtown | Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai |
| Eid Al Fitr (Mar) | Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Address Dubai Marina | JBR, Dubai Marina, Global Village |
| Eid Al Adha (May) | Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab | Desert Safari, Al Ain, Liwa Oasis |
| Islamic New Year (Jun) | Fairmont Fujairah, InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah | Fujairah Beaches, Jebel Jais |
| Prophet’s Birthday (Aug) | Yas Island Hotels, Rixos Saadiyat | Yas Theme Parks, Saadiyat Beach |
| National Day (Dec) | Emirates Palace, Palazzo Versace | Abu Dhabi Corniche, Heritage Village |
Do’s & Don’ts for Planning Long Holidays Using Leave
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Apply leave early to secure approval | Don’t wait until the last minute |
| Track official holiday announcements | Don’t rely only on predicted dates |
| Combine public holidays with weekends | Don’t misuse emergency or sick leave |
| Inform your team and set handover plans | Don’t leave work pending |
| Check travel and ticket availability early | Don’t book travel before leave approval |
FAQs
Q1. How can I maximize holidays using fewer leave days?
By booking leave around public holidays and weekends, you can turn 1–3 leave days into long breaks of 4–9 days.
Q2. Are predicted public holidays guaranteed?
No. Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, so dates may change. Always wait for official government confirmation.
Q3. Is it safe to book travel before leave approval?
It’s better to get leave approved first to avoid cancellation charges or plan changes.
Q4. Which holidays are best for long breaks in the UAE?
Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and UAE National Day usually offer the longest break opportunities.
Q5. Can private companies have different holiday policies?
Yes. Public and private sector holiday rules may vary based on company policy and workload.
Q6. How early should I apply for leave?
Apply at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons.
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