UAE 2026 Holiday Calendar: Six-Day Eid Al Adha Break Expected in Late May

Key facts

• Eid Al Adha 2026 expected to start May 27, with Arafat Day on May 26.
• UAE Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024 mandates one day for Arafat and three days for Eid Al Adha.
• Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, predicts Dhul Hijjah begins May 18.
• Arafat Day falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah; Eid Al Adha runs from the 10th to the 12th.
• If Dhul Hijjah starts May 18, Arafat Day is Tuesday, May 26, and Eid Al Adha is May 27-29.
• A six-day break is possible for those with Saturday-Sunday weekends, from May 26 to May 31.
• Hijri New Year is a one-day public holiday, date to be confirmed.
• National Day break in December concludes the 2026 holiday schedule.

Longest Break of the Year Takes Shape

UAE residents eyeing the remainder of 2026 can anticipate the year's longest public holiday stretch as Eid Al Adha approaches. Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, the month of Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on Monday, May 18. If confirmed, Arafat Day will fall on Tuesday, May 26, followed by a three-day Eid Al Adha holiday from Wednesday, May 27, through Friday, May 30. For those with a Saturday-Sunday weekend, the alignment creates a potential six-day break from Tuesday, May 26, to Sunday, May 31. The holiday period is governed by Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024, which stipulates one day for Arafat and three days for Eid Al Adha.

Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha Dates Depend on Moon Sighting

The exact dates for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha will be confirmed only after the crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah is sighted. Ibrahim Al Jarwan's projection places the start of the month on May 18, making Arafat Day the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, or May 26. The three-day Eid Al Adha holiday then spans the 10th to the 12th of the month. This astronomical estimate provides a planning framework, but official announcements from UAE authorities will follow the moon sighting. Residents are advised to monitor the confirmation before finalizing travel arrangements.

Hijri New Year Adds a One-Day Holiday

Beyond Eid Al Adha, the Hijri New Year offers a single-day public holiday later in 2026. The date, based on the Islamic lunar calendar, will be announced closer to the event. This break provides another opportunity for a long weekend if it falls adjacent to a weekend. The Hijri New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar year and is observed as a public holiday across the UAE.

National Day Break Closes the Year

The final public holiday of 2026 is the National Day break in December, commemorating the UAE's founding. This multi-day holiday typically includes December 2 and 3, with potential extensions depending on the day of the week. National Day is a major celebration nationwide, featuring fireworks, parades, and cultural events. Residents often use this period for domestic travel or family gatherings.

Planning Tips for Maximizing Annual Leave

With several holidays falling near weekends, strategic planning can extend breaks. The potential six-day Eid Al Adha break requires only two days of annual leave if the weekend is Saturday-Sunday. Similarly, the one-day Hijri New Year could become a three-day weekend if it lands on a Thursday or Sunday. Residents should review their work calendars and submit leave requests early, as popular travel destinations may fill up quickly. The UAE's holiday schedule offers multiple opportunities for extended time off without exhausting annual leave balances.

Official Calendar Awaits Moon Sighting Confirmations

While astronomical projections provide a reliable forecast, the final holiday dates depend on moon sightings. The UAE government will issue official announcements through the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and local emirate bodies. Residents are encouraged to stay updated via official channels. The 2026 holiday schedule, once confirmed, will be published in the UAE Official Gazette and on government portals.

The bottom line

• Eid Al Adha 2026 likely offers a six-day break from May 26 to May 31 for those with Saturday-Sunday weekends.
• Dates are based on astronomical predictions; official confirmation follows moon sighting.
• Hijri New Year provides a one-day holiday, date to be announced.
• National Day in December concludes the 2026 public holiday calendar.
• Strategic use of annual leave can extend several holidays into longer breaks.
• Residents should plan early and monitor official announcements for exact dates.