Israa Wal Miraj 2026: Will Dubai get a public holiday?
Several Gulf countries have confirmed a break to mark the religious occasion
DUBAI – One of the most significant dates in the Islamic calendar is approaching, with Muslims around the world preparing to observe Israa Wal Miraj.
The annual occasion commemorates a defining spiritual event in Islamic tradition and is marked through prayers and reflection across many countries. As the date draws closer, residents across the region are also checking whether it brings a public holiday.
The question is especially relevant for UAE residents, as several neighbouring countries have confirmed time off to mark the occasion. While the observance remains deeply important religiously, official holiday policies differ across the Gulf.
What is Israa Wal Miraj?
Israa Wal Miraj commemorates the miraculous Night Journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Masjid Al Haram in Mecca to Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, followed by his ascension through the heavens. The event holds profound spiritual importance in Islam, symbolising faith, devotion and divine connection.
The occasion is observed on the 27th night of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
In 2026, Israa Wal Miraj is expected to fall on Friday, January 16, based on current lunar calendar calculations, although the exact date is subject to moon sighting.
Holiday decisions
Several Gulf countries have announced official holidays to mark Israa Wal Miraj this year. Kuwait has confirmed a public sector holiday on Sunday, January 18, granting government employees a long weekend. The country has shifted the observance from the actual date to allow for an extended break, with official working hours set to resume on Monday, January 19.
Oman has also traditionally observed Israa Wal Miraj as a public holiday, contributing to long weekends across parts of the region. These decisions form part of each country’s annual holiday calendar and reflect local approaches to recognising religious occasions.
Is it a public holiday in UAE?
In contrast, Israa Wal Miraj is not a public holiday in the UAE. The occasion was removed from the official list of public holidays in 2019, when the government unified holidays across the public and private sectors.
When the UAE’s updated public holiday law was established in 2025, Israa Wal Miraj was not included among the recognised days off. As a result, it will be business as usual in Dubai and across the Emirates on January 16, despite the religious significance of the day.
Next break for UAE residents
For UAE residents looking ahead, the next public holiday is expected to be Eid Al Fitr in 2026. Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most anticipated holidays in the country.
Under UAE law, Eid Al Fitr is observed from Ramadan 30 to Shawwal 3, depending on the length of the holy month. Based on current astronomical predictions, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Friday, March 20, 2026, which would result in a three-day long weekend covering Friday, Saturday and Sunday, subject to official moon sighting announcements.