Predicted UAE Public Holidays 2026: Likely Eid Dates and Long Weekends
<p><strong>Dubai:</strong> The UAE has not yet released its official list of public holidays for 2026. However, forecasts based on the <strong>Islamic Hijri calendar</strong> and <strong>astronomical predictions</strong> provide a reliable guide for residents eager to plan ahead. With a mix of Islamic and Gregorian-based holidays, 2026 could offer at least <strong>12 days off</strong>, including the possibility of an extended <strong>six-day weekend during Eid Al Adha</strong>.</p><h3><strong>Why Holiday Predictions Matter</strong></h3><p>Public holidays in the UAE are important not just for cultural and religious observances but also for residents planning <strong>family vacations, travel, and staycations</strong>. Since many Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, advance predictions help families, schools, and businesses prepare well in advance.</p><p>The UAE government, under <strong>Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024</strong>, also allows certain public holidays (excluding Eid) to be shifted to the beginning or end of the week, creating longer weekends where possible.</p><h3><strong>Remaining 2025 UAE Public Holidays</strong></h3><p>Before looking ahead, here’s what’s left in <strong>2025</strong>:</p><p><strong>Commemoration Day</strong> – Monday, December 1</p><p><strong>UAE National Day</strong> – Tuesday and Wednesday, December 2–3</p><p>Together, these dates could form a <strong>four-day weekend</strong> in December 2025.</p><h3><strong>Predicted UAE Public Holidays in 2026</strong></h3><p>Here’s a projected list of <strong>UAE public holidays for 2026</strong> (subject to confirmation by the UAE Cabinet):</p><p><strong>New Year’s Day</strong> – Thursday, January 1</p><p><strong>Eid Al Fitr</strong> – Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22 (3-day weekend)</p><p><strong>Arafat Day</strong> – Tuesday, May 26</p><p><strong>Eid Al Adha</strong> – Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29</p><p>With the weekend (May 30–31), this could become a <strong>six-day break</strong></p><p><strong>Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year 1448 AH)</strong> – Tuesday, June 16</p><p><strong>Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH)</strong> – Tuesday, August 25</p><p><strong>UAE National Day</strong> – Tuesday and Wednesday, December 1–2</p><p>In total, <strong>12 holidays</strong> are expected in 2026, not including possible adjustments by Cabinet decision.</p><h3><strong>Key Islamic Holiday Predictions for 2026</strong></h3><h4><strong>Ramadan 2026</strong></h4><p><strong>Expected start:</strong> Wednesday, February 18, 2026</p><p>As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan will be observed with fasting, prayers, and reflection.</p><h4><strong>Eid Al Fitr 2026</strong></h4><p><strong>Expected:</strong> Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22</p><p>This festival marks the end of Ramadan. If dates align with the weekend, residents could enjoy a <strong>three-day break</strong>.</p><h4><strong>Eid Al Adha 2026</strong></h4><p><strong>Expected:</strong> Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29</p><p>Preceded by <strong>Arafat Day</strong> on May 26. Combined with the weekend (May 30–31), this creates a <strong>six-day holiday</strong>, the longest break of the year.</p><h3><strong>Rules on Shifting Holidays</strong></h3><p>According to UAE law:</p><p><strong>Article 2:</strong> Non-Eid holidays may be shifted to the start or end of the week to extend weekends.</p><p><strong>Article 3:</strong> If a holiday falls on a weekend or overlaps with another, it will <strong>not</strong> be carried forward.</p><p><strong>Article 4:</strong> Local governments can declare <strong>additional holidays</strong> for specific occasions.</p><p>This flexibility means residents may see some breaks extended, depending on how weekends align with official dates.</p><h3><strong>Why 2026 Looks Special</strong></h3><p><strong>Eid Al Adha’s six-day break</strong> will likely be the highlight of the year.</p><p><strong>Balanced distribution</strong> of holidays across the calendar ensures regular breaks for workers and students.</p><p>The mix of <strong>Islamic festivals, Gregorian holidays, and national celebrations</strong> reflects the UAE’s cultural and historical diversity.</p><h3><strong>Final Note</strong></h3><p>While official confirmation will come closer to each holiday, the <strong>2026 calendar is shaping up to be generous for UAE residents</strong>. Whether you’re planning an overseas trip, a desert staycation, or simply looking forward to more family time, the year promises several opportunities to relax and recharge.</p><p>For now, keep in mind that <strong>all Islamic holiday dates remain tentative until moon sightings confirm them</strong>, but residents can already begin making tentative travel and holiday plans.</p>