Looking to plan your holidays, trips, or long weekends in the UAE for 2026?

Whether you’re gearing up for family travel, staycations, or booking festival activities, knowing the UAE public holiday dates and long weekend opportunities ahead of time can help you take full advantage of your annual leave. Below is a comprehensive guide to all predicted public holidays in 2026 and how to turn them into extended breaks without burning too much leave.

UAE Public Holidays 2026 (Predicted Dates)

Here are the expected public holiday dates in the United Arab Emirates for 2026 (all final dates are subject to confirmation by government announcements and moon sightings for Islamic holidays):

  • New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
  • Eid Al Fitr: Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22
  • Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26
  • Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, May 27 – Friday, May 29
  • Islamic New Year: Monday, June 15 (holiday moved to start of the week)
  • Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH): Monday, August 24 (holiday moved to start of the week)
  • National Day: Wednesday, December 2 & Thursday, December 3

Note: Islamic holidays such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha depend on moon sightings, so official dates are usually confirmed closer to the event.

How to Maximize Leave in 2026

Plan Early

Use the predicted holiday dates above to plot your leave through the year. This enables you to book flights, accommodations, and staycation packages before prices rise.

Use Minimal Leave for Maximum Time Off

  • Pair holidays with weekends for extended leisure breaks.
  • If Eid holidays fall mid-week, add surrounding days off for long vacations without draining your leave quota.

Book Popular Trips Early

Extended breaks like Eid Al Adha can be particularly busy for travel. Booking early ensures availability and lower prices.

During long weekends such as Eid Al Fitr (March) or National Day (December), many residents prefer local celebrations over international travel. This often means:

  • Hosting gatherings at home or in private venues
  • Organizing birthday parties, reunions, or festive dinners
  • Celebrating on the water with friends and family

Instead of purchasing items used only once, many residents now choose to rent party equipment, sound systems, or even private yachts for special occasions. Renting allows you to enjoy premium experiences without long-term costs or storage hassles — especially useful during short holiday windows.

Why This Matters for 2026

For residents, expats, and professionals in the UAE, knowing public holidays ahead of time helps with:

  • Travel planning & staycations
  • Family events & reunions
  • Festival & cultural celebrations
  • Work–life balance optimization

Use the UAE 2026 holiday calendar to plan your best year yet — whether it’s jet-setting abroad or exploring hidden gems across the Emirates.

 Be with the trend…Just Rent!

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