UAE Public Holidays: What’s Left in 2025 and What to Expect in 2026
As the UAE progresses through a dynamic 2025, many residents are already looking ahead to the public holidays that remain this year — and what they can expect in 2026. Public holidays in the UAE combine religious observances, national milestones, and significant historical dates, offering residents and visitors much-anticipated breaks throughout the year.
What’s Left in 2025?
According to the UAE’s official public holiday calendar, residents can still look forward to several key holidays before the end of the year. While exact dates for Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, here’s a likely breakdown of what remains:
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabi) – Expected around September 15, 2025
- Commemoration Day – Observed on December 1, 2025
- UAE National Day – Celebrated on December 2 and 3, 2025
These holidays could potentially offer a 3 to 4-day weekend for many workers across both public and private sectors, depending on how weekdays align with the calendar.
Looking Ahead: UAE Public Holidays in 2026
Although the UAE has not officially released the 2026 public holiday schedule, projections based on the Islamic Hijri calendar (1447–1448 AH) and national observances provide a solid guide for planning ahead. Residents in 2026 can expect at least 12 official holidays. Key highlights include:
- New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Eid Al Fitr – Likely to fall between Tuesday, March 17 to Friday, March 20, 2026, potentially creating a six-day long weekend if combined with a weekend
- Arafat Day – Expected on Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- Eid Al Adha – Expected from Thursday, May 28 to Saturday, May 30, 2026
- Islamic New Year – Likely on Wednesday, July 15, 2026
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday – Forecasted around Monday, September 7, 2026
- Commemoration Day – Tuesday, December 1, 2026
- UAE National Day – Wednesday and Thursday, December 2–3, 2026
Long Weekends and Travel Planning
The projected alignment of holidays with weekends offers exciting possibilities for extended breaks in 2026. For instance, Eid Al Fitr and National Day could provide two separate long weekends of up to six days, depending on official moon sightings and government announcements.
These opportunities are perfect for planning vacations, staycations, or simply spending time with family and friends. Many residents take advantage of these periods to travel to nearby destinations such as Oman, Georgia, or the Maldives.
Final Thoughts
While dates for some Islamic holidays are only confirmed closer to the time, using Hijri-to-Gregorian projections can help residents and businesses plan well in advance. Whether you’re scheduling a work break, booking flights, or preparing your travel itinerary, keeping an eye on the UAE’s evolving holiday calendar is always a smart move.
Stay updated on all official announcements by following UAE government portals or bookmarking Aurantius Real Estate for lifestyle insights and community updates across Dubai and beyond.
