As families begin planning their 2026 schedules, the UAE’s predicted public holiday calendar offers multiple opportunities for long weekends and extended family time.

While some dates are fixed, others -- especially Islamic holidays -- depend on moon sightings and may shift slightly. Based on astronomical data and previous UAE Cabinet resolutions, residents can expect at least 12 public holidays in 2026.

Key predicted UAE public holidays for 2026

The following dates provide a strong indication of how the holiday calendar will shape up next year:

January 1: New Year’s Day
Shawwal 1–3: Eid Al Fitr
Dhu Al Hijjah 9: Arafat Day
Dhu Al Hijjah 10–12: Eid Al Adha
Muharram 1: Islamic New Year
Rabi Al Awwal 12: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
December 2–3: Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)

Expect long weekends throughout year

Eid Al Fitr 2026

Expected dates: Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22
This could bring a three-day weekend as Ramadan comes to an end.

Eid Al Adha 2026

Expected dates: Tuesday, May 26 (Arafat Day) to Friday, May 29
Residents may enjoy a six-day break when combined with the weekend—one of the longest holidays of the year.

Eid Al Etihad 2026

December 2–3 (Wednesday and Thursday):
A mid-week holiday that could create a four-day weekend with Friday and Saturday.

All Islamic holidays remain subject to official moon sightings, and the UAE government will confirm dates closer to each holiday.

How UAE public holidays are determined

UAE public holidays derive from two sources:

1. Gregorian calendar (fixed dates)

New Year’s Day
Eid Al Etihad (National Day)

2. Islamic lunar calendar (variable dates)

Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Adha
Hijri New Year
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday

Islamic dates shift each year because the Hijri calendar is 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

Holiday rules you should know

Under Cabinet Resolution No 27 of 2024, some holidays may be shifted to the beginning or end of the week to create long weekends (except Eid holidays).
Holidays that fall on weekends are not moved forward.
Local authorities may declare additional holidays for special events.

School holidays across UAE in 2026

MOE curriculum schools

Winter Break: Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
Spring Break & Eid Al Fitr: Mar 16 – 29
Mid-Term Break & Eid Al Adha: May 25 – 29
Hijri New Year: Jun 17
Summer Break (staff): Starts Jul 18

Dubai private schools (KHDA)

Schools starting April (2025–2026)

Winter Break: Dec 15 – Jan 5
Spring Break: Mar 16 – 30
Academic Year Ends: Mar 30, 2026

Schools starting September (2025–2026)

Winter Break: Dec 15 – Jan 5
Spring Break: Mar 16 – 30
Academic Year Ends: Mar 3, 2026

The primary reason is the combination of fixed Gregorian holidays and shifting Islamic lunar dates. Astronomical predictions provide early guidance, but final confirmation always comes from official moon sightings and UAE government announcements.