Planning Your Year of Travel
Planning your year in the Emirates? For expats and residents, the release of the holiday calendar is the signal to start booking flights. Whether you are planning a summer escape to Europe or a winter staycation in Ras Al Khaimah, timing is everything.
This guide covers the official UAE holidays in 2026, the famous "Leave Hacks" to double your time off, and—most importantly—where to travel during each break.
Editor's Note: This guide details the predicted holiday calendar for 2026 based on astronomical calculations and the UAE Cabinet's standardized holiday framework. Islamic dates are subject to moon sighting.
At a Glance: UAE Public Holidays 2026
| Holiday | Official/Predicted Date | Days Off |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 1 (Thursday)1 Day | 1 Day |
| Eid Al Fitr | Mar 20 – Mar 22 (Fri–Sun)* | 3–4 Days |
| Arafat Day | May 26 (Tuesday)* | 1 Day |
| Eid Al Adha | May 27 – May 29 (Wed–Fri)* | 3 Days |
| Islamic New Year | Jun 16 (Tuesday)* | 1 Day |
| Prophet's Birthday | Aug 25 (Tuesday)* | 1 Day |
| National Day | Dec 2 – Dec 3 (Wed–Thu) 2 D | 2 Days |
HolidayNew Year's Day
Official/Predicted DateJan 1 (Thursday)1 Day
Days Off1 Day
HolidayEid Al Fitr
Official/Predicted DateMar 20 – Mar 22 (Fri–Sun)*
Days Off3–4 Days
HolidayArafat Day
Official/Predicted DateMay 26 (Tuesday)*
Days Off1 Day
HolidayEid Al Adha
Official/Predicted DateMay 27 – May 29 (Wed–Fri)*
Days Off3 Days
HolidayIslamic New Year
Official/Predicted DateJun 16 (Tuesday)*
Days Off1 Day
HolidayProphet's Birthday
Official/Predicted DateAug 25 (Tuesday)*
Days Off1 Day
HolidayNational Day
Official/Predicted DateDec 2 – Dec 3 (Wed–Thu) 2 D
Days Off2 Days
Note: Dates marked with (*) are subject to moon sighting and official government confirmation.
The 2026 Travel Planner: Where to Go & When
Maximizing your holidays isn't just about the dates; it's about matching the destination to the season. Here is your roadmap for the year.
1. The Spring Break: Eid Al-Fitr (March 20–22)
- The Vibe: The "Sweet Spot." It is not too hot in the GCC yet, making it perfect for regional travel.
- International: Oman (Salalah or Muscat), Azerbaijan (Baku), or Georgia (Tbilisi). These are short flights (3-4 hours) and offer cool, green escapes without a long haul.
- Local Staycation: This is the ideal time for a Desert Safari or glamping trip before the summer heat kicks in. Head to Al Qudra Lakes or the Liwa Desert for a starlit night.
2. The Summer Escape: Eid Al-Adha (May 26–30)
- The Vibe: The UAE heat is rising. It is time to leave the desert or head to high altitudes.
- International: With a potential 9-day break (see hack below), aim for Europe (Italy, Switzerland) or the USA. The Mediterranean weather is flawless in late May—warm enough for swimming but without the August crowds.
- Local Staycation: Escape the humidity by heading to the mountains. Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah offers temperatures 10°C cooler than the city, perfect for ziplining and hiking.
3. The Winter Celebration: National Day (Dec 2–3)
- The Vibe: The UAE is officially the best place on Earth in December.
- International: Most residents stay put to enjoy the local festivities, but if you must fly, Thailand or the Maldives offer great winter sun.
- Local Staycation: Head to Hatta for kayaking, Khorfakkan for camping, or book a luxury beach resort on Palm Jumeirah. The entire country turns into a festival with parades, air shows, and fireworks over the Burj Khalifa.
The "Leave Hack": Turn 12 Holidays into 38 Days Off
Want that trip to the USA or Japan? You need more than 3 days. Here is the secret formula for 2026:
1. The Eid Al-Adha Mega Break (9 Days Off)
- The Holiday: Arafat Day & Eid fall from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29.
- The Hack: Take Monday, May 25 as annual leave.
- The Result: You get a continuous break from Saturday, May 23 to Saturday, May 30.
- Total Off: 9 Days (using only 1 leave day).
2. The National Day Finale (9 Days Off)
- The holiday: Commemoration Day & National Day likely covers Tuesday, Dec 1 to Thursday, Dec 3.
- The Hack: Take Monday, Nov 3,0, and Friday, Dec 4, as annual leave.
- The Result: You bridge the previous weekend (Nov 28-29) with the next weekend (Dec 5-6).
- Total Off: 9 Days (using only 2 leave days).
3. School Holidays in UAE 2026
For parents planning family vacations, aligning with the school calendar is critical. Here are the official dates from the Ministry of Education for the 2025–2026 academic year:
- Spring Break: March 16 – March 29, 2026.
- Note: This break coincides with the predicted dates for Eid Al Fitr (March 20–22), allowing for an extended family celebration without missing school days.
- Summer Break: Starts July 6, 2026.
- Note: The last official day of school for students is July 3, 2026 (Friday).
- Winter Break (2026/2027): Expected to start mid-December 2026 (Dates TBC).
Smart Travel Tips for UAE Expats
- Visa-Free Options: For last-minute plans, UAE residents can often visit Georgia, Azerbaijan, the Maldives, and the Seychelles with visa-on-arrival or e-visas.
- Schengen Visas: If planning for Europe during the Eid Al Adha break (May), apply for your Schengen visa in January. Appointment slots in Dubai/Abu Dhabi are known to fill up 3-4 months in advance.
- Flight Prices: Always book "refundable" or "flexible" tickets for Islamic holidays. If the moon sighting shifts the date by 24 hours, you want the ability to change your flight without a penalty.
Important Considerations
- Moon Sighting is Final: All Islamic dates are predictions. Do not book non-refundable flights for the exact days; give yourself a +/- 1-day buffer.
- School Holidays: Spring break for most UAE schools is expected to align with the Eid Al-Fitr period in late March, making it the busiest travel week of Q1.
- Sector Differences: While the UAE government typically unifies public and private sector holidays, the number of granted days can sometimes vary. Always confirm specific dates with your employer's HR policy.