Public holidays in the UAE are important not only for planning holidays, travel and family activities. They also have legal implications for employers and employees: official public holidays are paid, while employees required to work on these days must receive compensation under UAE Labour Law.
In 2026, the UAE holiday calendar includes both fixed public holidays and Islamic holidays. Islamic holiday dates depend on the Hijri calendar and official announcements by the UAE authorities, so some dates may be confirmed or adjusted closer to the occasion. The official UAE holiday framework includes New Year’s Day, Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and Eid Al Etihad.
To help businesses and employees plan annual leave, staffing schedules and operational deadlines, we have prepared an overview of the expected UAE public holidays in 2026.
Expected UAE Public Holidays in 2026
Public Holiday | Expected Date in 2026 | Status |
|---|---|---|
New Year’s Day | 1 January | Confirmed public holiday |
Eid Al Fitr | Approximately 19–22 March | Subject to official confirmation |
Arafat Day | Approximately 26 May | Subject to moon sighting |
Eid Al Adha | Approximately 27–29 May | Subject to official confirmation |
Islamic New Year | Approximately 17 June | Date may be confirmed later |
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Approximately 26 August | Date may be confirmed later |
Eid Al Etihad / UAE National Day | 2–3 December | Fixed national holiday period |
Important: Islamic holiday dates are indicative and may change following official moon-sighting announcements.
ОАЭ • 2026
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Перейти в realLaw AIWhat Employers and Employees Should Know
Private-sector employees in the UAE are entitled to fully paid leave during official public holidays.
Where business requirements make it necessary for an employee to work on an official holiday, the employer must provide either:
an alternative day off; or
the employee’s normal pay for that day plus an additional amount equal to at least 50% of the employee’s basic wage.
This requirement is established under the UAE Labour Law.
These rules are particularly relevant to businesses that continue operating during public holidays, including:
hotels and restaurants;
retail businesses;
hospitals and healthcare providers;
logistics and transport companies;
customer support teams;
companies operating continuous or shift-based schedules.
Employers should plan staffing arrangements in advance, record all work performed during public holidays and ensure that compensatory leave or additional pay is reflected correctly in payroll documentation.
Employees who work during an official holiday should keep copies of their schedules, messages, attendance records and payslips in case clarification is required.
Need Support with UAE Employment Matters?
Make Fortune assists employers and employees with UAE labour and employment matters, including:
payment for work performed on public holidays;
compensatory days off;
preparation of shift schedules and employment documents;
employer–employee disputes;
advice on UAE Labour Law requirements.
If you are unsure how to arrange work during a UAE public holiday or calculate the correct compensation, contact Make Fortune for a professional consultation.
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