The UAE observes seven official public holidays, as established in Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024, with the same dates applicable to both public and private sector employees. In addition, working hours are reduced during Ramadan in accordance with UAE Labour Law. This unified system ensures that businesses can plan ahead while all employees enjoy consistent time off to celebrate key national and religious occasions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all key 2026 dates, including the predicted start of Ramadan.
2026 UAE Holiday Calendar*
| Holiday | Date in 2026 (Public & Private Sector) |
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 |
| Ramadan (predicted start) | Thursday, February 19 – Tuesday, March 20 (subject to moon sighting) |
| 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 (official day moves to Monday instead of Tuesday June 16) |
| The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) | Monday, August 24 (official day moves to Monday instead of Tuesday August 25) |
| UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) | Wednesday, December 2 & Thursday, December 3 |
Reduced Working Hours During Ramadan
As per UAE Labour Law, employees are entitled to shortened working hours during the holy month of Ramadan:
▪️Private sector: Maximum of 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week for daytime employees.
▪️Public sector: Working hours are typically reduced by 2 hours per day, depending on the government department.
Lunar-Based Holidays
In the UAE, public holidays based on the lunar (Hijri) calendar—and therefore dependent on moon sighting—include all Islamic holidays:
▪️Ramadan: The first day of fasting, determined by the sighting of the new moon.
▪️Eid Al Fitr: Celebrated immediately after the end of Ramadan; dates depend on moon sighting.
▪️Arafat Day: The 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah; part of Hajj.
▪️Eid Al Adha: Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah; dates depend on the lunar calendar.
▪️Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year): 1st Muharram, based on moon sighting.
▪️The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi): 12th Rabi’ al-awwal, based on the lunar calendar.
All other UAE public holidays, such as New Year’s Day and National Day, follow the Gregorian calendar and have fixed dates.
*Some dates may be subject to slight changes.