All tools / UAE public holidays
UAE public holidays 2026 and 2027
Every UAE public holiday for the private sector, with the day of the week. Islamic holidays are marked expected until they are confirmed after the moon sighting.
About UAE public holidays
The UAE Cabinet sets one list of public holidays for the government and private sector. Fixed holidays are New Year's Day on 1 January and Eid Al Etihad (National Day) on 2 and 3 December. The Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar, so they move about 11 days earlier each year, and the final dates are announced a few days before, after the moon sighting.
The government can move a holiday to the start or end of the week to create a long weekend. If you work on a public holiday, your employer must give you another day off or pay you your wage plus at least 50%.
Questions people ask
How many public holidays does the UAE have?
About 12 to 13 days a year, depending on how long Ramadan lasts and how holidays fall.
Do private sector employees get the same holidays?
Yes. The government and private sector follow the same official holiday list.
Is Eid Al Fitr three or four days?
Eid Al Fitr runs from 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the break gains an extra day.
List checked . Expected dates are forecasts and can move by a day.