| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-03-20 | Eid al-Fitr (estimated) | National |
| 2026-03-21 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (estimated) | National |
| 2026-03-22 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (estimated) | National |
| 2026-05-26 | Day of Arafah (estimated) | National |
| 2026-05-27 | Eid al-Adha (estimated) | National |
| 2026-05-28 | Eid al-Adha Holiday (estimated) | National |
| 2026-05-29 | Eid al-Adha Holiday (estimated) | National |
| 2026-06-16 | Islamic New Year (estimated) | National |
| 2026-08-25 | Prophet's Birthday (estimated) | National |
| 2026-12-02 | National Day | National |
| 2026-12-03 | National Day | National |
About these holidays in United Arab Emirates (2026)
Our United Arab Emirates public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
Eid al-Fitr (estimated)
Eid al-Fitr is the festival that ends Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and begins on the first day of Shawwal. It is a two or three day public holiday across much of the Muslim world. The date depends on the sighting of the new moon, so published calendars mark it as estimated until it is confirmed. Families gather for prayer, shared meals and charitable giving before the fast was broken each evening of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr Holiday (estimated)
This is the second or third day of the Eid al-Fitr public holiday, which closes the month of Ramadan. Many Muslim majority countries extend the celebration over two or three days so that families can travel and gather. As with the first day, the date depends on the sighting of the Shawwal moon and therefore remains estimated until confirmed. Celebrations centre on shared meals, visiting relatives and giving to charity.
Day of Arafah (estimated)
The Day of Arafah falls on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha, when pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat near Mecca for the central rite of the Hajj. For Muslims not performing the pilgrimage it is a recommended day of fasting. It is a public holiday in several countries, and because the Islamic calendar is lunar the Gregorian date is estimated.
Eid al-Adha (estimated)
Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims who can afford it sacrifice an animal and share the meat with family, neighbours and the poor. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date moves about ten days earlier each year and is listed as estimated.