The UAE Public Holidays 2026
🎉 UAE Holiday Countdown
Year —
Next Holiday: —
Last updated: —
| UAE Public holidays list | Public holidays duraiton in date |
| New Year Day | 1 January~ one day |
| AL Eid Al Fitr Holidays | 29 Ramadan – 3 Shawwal~ four days |
| AL Eid Ul Azha Holidays | 9 – 12 Dhu al-Hijjah~ four days |
| Hijri New Year Holiday | 1 Muharram~ one day |
| Mohammed’s (PBUH) Birthday Holidat | 12 Rabi’ Awwal~ one day |
| UAE National Day | 2 – 3 December~ two days |
Note: Islamic dates are approximate and based on lunar calculations; actual observance may vary depending on local moon sighting. Adjust dates accordingly.
The UAE is a vibrant, multicultural country that celebrates both national pride and religious traditions. The country observes several official holidays each year, providing employees with paid leave to celebrate, spend time with family, or fulfill religious obligations.
Understanding these holidays, their durations, and how the law treats other religious festivals is essential for UAE based employees and employers alike.
UAE Public Holidays
The UAE public holidays calendar includes a mix of fixed Gregorian dates and Islamic holidays. Fixed holidays include New Year’s Day (1 January) and UAE National Day (2–3 December). Employees in both the public and private sectors are entitled to paid leave on these dates.
Public sector employees automatically receive these days off, while private-sector employers are required by UAE labour law to provide paid leave for these official holidays.
Islamic holidays are determined according to Islamic date KSA, meaning the exact dates can vary each year based on moon sighting. The main Islamic UAE Public holidays include:
- Eid Al Fitr: From 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal (4 days), marking the end of Ramadan fasting.
- Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha: From 9–12 Dhul-Hijjah (4 days), commemorating the pilgrimage and sacrifice.
- Hijri New Year (1 Muharram): The first day of the Islamic lunar calendar.
- Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday (12 Rabi’ Awwal): Celebrated across the UAE as a public holiday.
Public sector workers receive full paid leave for all these Islamic holidays. In the private sector, paid leave is also mandated under UAE labour law for full-time staff. If a holiday falls on a weekly day off, employers often provide an alternative paid day off.
Employees required to work during a public holiday are generally entitled to additional compensation or alternative leave, as outlined in their employment contracts or company policy.
Paid Leave and Employee Entitlements
Public sector employees automatically enjoy all official UAE public holidays with pay. For private-sector employees, the UAE Labour Law guarantees paid leave for public holidays. This includes compensation if the holiday falls on a working day.
Employers cannot deduct pay for holidays, ensuring fairness. Annual leave or flexible work arrangements may apply if operational needs require employees to work on certain dates.
Observance of Other Religious Festivals
The UAE is home to people of various faiths, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and others. Festivals like Christmas, Easter, Diwali, and Holi are not official UAE public holidays under UAE law. However, private-sector employees may request leave to observe these holidays. This leave is generally taken as annual leave or unpaid leave, depending on company policy.
Many private organizations, especially multinational corporations, provide flexible arrangements to allow employees to observe their religious festivals, promoting inclusivity and respecting cultural diversity.
Public sector employees, on the other hand, typically follow the official holiday calendar, although some departments may allow flexibility on a case-by-case basis.
Planning and Flexibility
Because Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings, their exact dates are confirmed shortly before the event. Employees and employers must remain flexible and updated with official announcements to ensure compliance. Many organizations publish holiday calendars at the start of the year, helping staff plan both professional and personal schedules effectively.
Conclusion
The holiday system balances national, religious, and cultural observances, ensuring employees enjoy paid leave for official holidays. While Muslims' and national holidays are mandatory with pay, non-Muslim religious festivals are optional and generally require annual or unpaid leave in private-sector companies.
Understanding these rules allows employees to plan their time effectively and helps organizations maintain smooth operations while respecting cultural and religious diversity.