United Arab Emirates (AE)
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah — that has transformed from a pearl-diving and fishing economy into one of the world's most modern and cosmopolitan nations within a single generation.
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Region: Middle East
Language: Arabic
Currency: AED (د.إ)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 78)
Emergency: 999
Premium
Public Holidays 2026
14 holidays in United Arab Emirates. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
رأس السنة الميلادية
Public holiday. Most businesses and government offices closed.
February 2026
Wed 18
First Day of Ramadan Public Holiday
أول رمضان
Not a public holiday itself, but working hours are legally reduced by 2 hours for all employees during Ramadan. Approximate date — confirmed by moon sighting.
March 2026
Fri 20
Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan) Public Holiday
عيد الفطر
Three-day public holiday. Exact dates confirmed by moon sighting — typically 3 days off. One of the most important holidays in the UAE. Approximate dates for 2026.
Sat 21
Eid Al Fitr Holiday (Day 2) Public Holiday
عيد الفطر - اليوم الثاني
Sun 22
Eid Al Fitr Holiday (Day 3) Public Holiday
عيد الفطر - اليوم الثالث
May 2026
Wed 27
Arafat (Eid Al Adha Eve) Public Holiday
يوم عرفة
Day of Arafat — one public holiday. Approximate date for 2026.
Thu 28
Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) Public Holiday
عيد الأضحى
Three-day public holiday. One of the two most important Islamic celebrations. Approximate dates for 2026.
Fri 29
Eid Al Adha Holiday (Day 2) Public Holiday
عيد الأضحى - اليوم الثاني
Sat 30
Eid Al Adha Holiday (Day 3) Public Holiday
عيد الأضحى - اليوم الثالث
June 2026
Wed 17
Islamic New Year (Al Hijri New Year) Public Holiday
رأس السنة الهجرية
Islamic lunar New Year. Approximate date for 2026 — confirmed annually.
August 2026
Wed 26
Prophet's Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabawi) Public Holiday
المولد النبوي الشريف
Commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Approximate date for 2026.
November 2026
Mon 30
Commemoration Day (Martyrs' Day) Public Holiday
يوم الشهيد
Honours UAE military martyrs. Public sector holiday; some private sector companies grant the day off.
December 2026
Wed 2
UAE National Day Public Holiday
اليوم الوطني الإماراتي
Celebrates the founding of the UAE federation on 2 December 1971. Two-day holiday (Dec 2–3). Major celebrations with fireworks and flag displays across all emirates.
Thu 3
UAE National Day (Day 2) Public Holiday
اليوم الوطني الإماراتي - اليوم الثاني
Note: Some holidays in United Arab Emirates apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.