UAE public holidays 2026: When will the next long weekend arrive after Islamic New Year?
National Day could bring another extended weekend
DUBAI – Dubai residents who have just returned from the Islamic New Year break can now look ahead to the next public holiday on the UAE calendar.
The country’s official holiday schedule for 2026 includes several religious and national occasions, with dates linked to Islamic calendar calculations and official announcements.
The next major break is expected later this summer, giving residents another opportunity to plan their time off.
Next break
The upcoming public holiday will mark the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH), also known as Mawlid Al Nabawi, which is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The occasion corresponds to the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar and remains subject to official confirmation following moon sighting procedures.
Under the UAE’s public holiday transfer rules, some holidays that fall during the week may be moved to the beginning or end of the week by a Cabinet decision. If the rule is applied, the August holiday could potentially create a longer weekend for employees, although the final arrangement will only be confirmed through an official announcement.
UAE holiday calendar
The UAE’s 2026 public holiday schedule includes a number of confirmed breaks. New Year’s Day was observed on Thursday, January 1, followed by Eid Al Fitr from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21. Arafat Day fell on Tuesday, May 26, while Eid Al Adha was marked from Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29.
The Islamic New Year public holiday was observed on Monday, June 15, giving workers across the UAE a three-day weekend. The remaining confirmed national holiday will be UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, on Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3.
Holiday rules
According to UAE public holiday regulations, most official holidays outside Eid occasions can be shifted by Cabinet decision. If a holiday falls on a weekend or overlaps with another public holiday, it is not automatically carried forward.
Local governments can also approve additional holidays for their departments during special occasions, depending on official decisions.