Navigating UAE's Official Holidays and Vacation Calendar for 2026

UAE residents can turn 2026's seven official holidays into extended breaks by smartly combining vacation days with public holidays and weekends. The country's holiday calendar offers several opportunities to create week-long getaways using just a few personal leave days.

The UAE's official holidays for 2026 are set by Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024. Here's how to make the most of each one:

**New Year's Day** falls on Thursday, January 1st. Take Friday off and you'll get four consecutive days including the weekend, using just one vacation day.

**Eid Al Fitr** is expected to run from Friday, March 20th to Sunday, March 22nd. Take five vacation days (March 16-20) and you'll have a full week off until March 23rd.

**Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha** present the biggest opportunity. Arafat Day falls on Tuesday, May 26th, followed by three days of Eid Al Adha (May 27-29). Take Monday, May 25th off and you'll get nine straight days of break, using just one vacation day when combined with surrounding weekends.

**Islamic New Year** lands on Wednesday, June 17th. Take Thursday and Friday off to create a five-day break including the weekend.

**Prophet Muhammad's Birthday** is expected on Tuesday, August 25th. Take Monday off for a four-day weekend.

**UAE National Day** offers another extended break opportunity. Martyrs' Day falls on Tuesday, December 1st, followed by National Day on December 2nd-3rd. Take three strategic days off (November 30th, December 1st, and December 4th) and you'll get nine consecutive days when combined with weekends.

This approach works particularly well for families planning international trips or extended staycations. The key is booking these vacation days early, as many colleagues will likely have the same idea. For businesses, expect higher leave requests around these periods and plan staffing accordingly.