UAE Public Holidays 2026: Dates for Eid, National Day and More
By Sami Ullah Updated 3 min read
The UAE has eight public holidays in 2026. The Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their dates move by about 11 days every year and are confirmed by the UAE Cabinet shortly before each one. The public and private sectors get the same days off.
UAE public holidays 2026
| Holiday | 2026 date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thursday 1 January | Observed |
| Eid Al Fitr | Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 March (government: to Sunday 22 March) | Observed |
| Arafat Day | Tuesday 26 May | Observed |
| Eid Al Adha | Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 May | Observed |
| Islamic New Year | Monday 15 June | Observed |
| Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Birthday | Friday 28 August | Observed |
| Commemoration Day | Tuesday 1 December | Expected |
| UAE National Day | Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December | Expected |
The UAE Cabinet can move a public holiday to the start or end of the week. December dates are confirmed nearer the time.
New Year's Day (1 January)
A public holiday across the UAE. Dubai marks it with fireworks at the Burj Khalifa and along the coast, and hotels, malls and restaurants hold special events. Expect busy roads and public transport on New Year's Eve.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a time for family, prayer and charity, and one of the busiest times of the year for travel between Pakistan and Dubai. Shops and malls stay open with extended hours and festive sales.
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha
Arafat Day, the most important day of the Hajj, is followed by Eid Al Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. Together they usually give three to four days off. Flights and hotels fill up early, so book in advance.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
The first day of Muharram, the start of the Islamic calendar year. It is a quieter holiday, with one day off.
Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Birthday
Mawlid Al Nabi is a one-day holiday marked with prayers and religious gatherings.
Commemoration Day (1 December)
Commemoration Day honours Emiratis who gave their lives in service of the country. It is officially remembered on 30 November and has been observed as a public holiday on 1 December since 2019.
UAE National Day (2 and 3 December)
National Day celebrates the founding of the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971. Expect fireworks, parades, concerts and flags across Dubai and the other emirates.
Planning a Dubai trip around the holidays
Eid and National Day are the busiest times to visit Dubai from Pakistan. Visa applications also rise before Eid, so apply early: you can apply for a Dubai visit visa between 58 and 5 working days before you travel.
FAQs
Is Labour Day a public holiday in the UAE?
No. 1 May is not a public holiday in the UAE.
Do all businesses close on public holidays in Dubai?
Government offices close. Most malls, restaurants, hotels and attractions stay open, often with longer hours and special events.
Are the Islamic holidays on the same dates every year?
No. They follow the lunar Hijri calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, so each holiday comes around 11 days earlier every year. The exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon.
Can non-Muslims join Eid celebrations?
Yes. Visitors are welcome at public events, markets and fireworks. Dress modestly, especially near mosques and at family gatherings.
Are there any rules during Ramadan?
Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours out of respect. Many restaurants still serve food, and working hours are usually shorter.
Sami Ullah · UAE Visa Consultant
Sami Ullah is a UAE visa consultant with over 6 years of experience helping Pakistani travellers get Dubai and UAE visit visas. He specialises in UAE visit, transit and tourist visa applications for Pakistani passport holders, and guides clients through the documents and requirements that reduce the risk of a rejection.
