Planning your family vacation, staycation, airport transfer or weekend trip in UAE? Make sure you’re aware of UAE public holidays 2026 in advance to plan your travel, hotel and transport.
Public holidays in UAE comprise of religious holidays as well as national days of significance. Islamic holidays are based on Hijri Calendar which is subject to change, so keep yourself updated with the official announcements for the accurate dates.
Planning a trip between Emirates or airport transfers during holidays? Family vacation? Sorting transport for guests visiting you? Make your travel easy by staying aware of the dates.
What are the UAE public holidays in 2026?
Major Public Holidays in UAE 2026 are New Year’s Day, Eid Al Fitr, Arafah day, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Birthday of The Prophet Muhammad , Commemoration Day and UAE National Day.
Following is a simple overview :
| Holiday | Expected / Official Date in 2026 |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1, 2026 |
| Eid Al Fitr | March 20–22, 2026* |
| Arafah Day | May 26, 2026* |
| Eid Al Adha | May 27–29, 2026* |
| Islamic New Year | June 16, 2026* |
| Prophet Muhammad's Birthday | August 25, 2026* |
| Commemoration Day | November 30, 2026 |
In the UAE, Islamic holidays are marked according to the Hijri calendar while other national holidays are marked on the Gregorian calendar,” says the UAE Government.
What is the next public holiday in the UAE in 2026?
If you’re looking at planning any of your remaining 2026 UAE holidays, then the next set of public holidays after August are Commemoration Day on 30 November 2026 and then the UAE National Day holidays on 2 December and 3 December.
If you are looking into arranging airport transfers, inter-Emirate travel or private transport for yourself during this time, then booking in advance will save you the stress of doing so at the last minute.
When are the Eid holidays in 2026?
The UAE celebrates two major Eid holidays every year: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
Expected Eid Al Fitr dates in UAE 2026 are March 20 to March 22, following the end of Ramadan.
As for Eid Al Adha 2026 in UAE, it will follow Arafah Day on May 26. The expected Eid dates are May 27, 28 and 29, followed by the weekend.
Since the holidays are based on the Islamic calendar, always double check with the official announcement from the UAE before confirming nonrefundable travel plans.
Is May 1, 2026 a public holiday in the UAE?
May 1st is often known as Labour Day or International Workers’ Day in various countries around the world.
Yet, Labour Day 2026 is not recognised as a public holiday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the official UAE public holiday calendar. The official UAE public holiday calendar consists of New Year’s Day, Eid holidays, Arafah Day, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, Commemoration Day and National Day.
So employees should not presume May 1st will be a public holiday in the UAE.
Which UAE holidays are best for family trips and short vacations?
Extended breaks such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and UAE National Day are ideal times for residents and visitors to take time off and enjoy a short getaway. Whether you’re spending time with family, visiting attractions or meeting up with friends, these occasions are popular down times for:
- Staycations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or other emirates
- Airport travel
- Family gatherings
- Visiting attractions and entertainment destinations
- Inter-emirate trips
- Shopping and leisure trips
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Private tours and sightseeing
To avoid any disappointment, if you are travelling during one of these larger holiday periods it’s wise to book your cars and chauffeurs in advance.
How should I plan transportation during UAE holidays?
Holiday traffic means busier airports, crowded attractions and heavy demand for transportation.
If you will be travelling during a coming holiday in UAE, plan your transportation in advance of the holiday.
Allow extra travel time if you are traveling by air, especially during popular holiday times.
Chauffeur services booked in advance can be a stress-free way for families and groups to avoid hunting for transportation at airports and destinations.
Planning a holiday trip in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
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Avoid the holiday traffic and book your ride now. Travel stress free across UAE.
What should travellers remember about UAE public holidays in 2026?
One thing to keep in mind when travelling during holidays is that not all dates are set in stone.
While fixed holidays like UAE National Day are based on the Gregorian calendar, Islamic holidays like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and Islamic New Year are based on the Hijri calendar.
As stated by the UAE Government, Islamic holidays “are subject to moon sighting”, so it’s best to follow official announcements when confirming your plans.
And when it comes to getting around, remember that longer holidays can affect traffic, airport congestion and demand.
Final thoughts
The UAE holidays 2026 calendar offers plenty of opportunities to rest up, spend time with family and explore our country.
Whether its celebrating Eid, or UAE National Day, taking your holidays easy means planning your transport in advance.
Whether it’s getting to the airport, travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, visiting family or friends or organising that private day trip discover how Rider Arabia chauffeur driven transport can work around your schedule.
Thinking of your next holiday trip?
Book your Rider Arabia chauffeur service in advance and travel comfortably and conveniently across the UAE.
