What's the Next Public Holiday in the UAE?
Discover how UAE's 2026 holiday transfer system enhances extended weekends for residents throughout the year.
The next public holiday in the UAE is Hijri New Year, which falls on the first day of Muharram. In 2026, the likely date for this holiday is Tuesday, June 16, based on moon sightings. This holiday may be transferred to the start or end of the week, allowing residents to enjoy a longer break.
The Holiday Transfer System in the UAE
The UAE introduced a system of transferring public holidays to create extended weekends for residents. For example, the UAE National Day holiday has been shifted in previous years to create longer breaks, providing residents with four-day weekends on occasion.
Implemented in 2025, this holiday transfer system allows certain mid-week public holidays to move to either the beginning or end of the week, enhancing convenience and creating opportunities for extended breaks.
In 2026, the system continues to benefit residents, with several holidays offering extended weekends. This includes a six-day break, the longest expected for the year, along with four other holidays that could potentially be transferred to maximize long weekends.
Public Holidays in 2026
Happy New Year
The year begins with a public holiday on Thursday, January 1, 2026. If transferred to Friday, January 2, residents could enjoy a three-day weekend.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with three official holidays from Shawwal 1 to 3. Based on moon sightings, the anticipated dates are Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22. This results in a three-day weekend.
Transferable? No.
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha
One of the holiest periods in Islam, Arafah Day on Dhul Hijjah 9 is followed by Eid Al Adha, which includes three additional holiday days on Dhul Hijjah 10–13. Astronomical predictions suggest the dates will fall between Tuesday, May 26 and Friday, May 29. Coupled with the Saturday–Sunday weekend, this creates the longest expected break in 2026, spanning six days.
Transferable? No.
Hijri New Year
As mentioned earlier, Hijri New Year is expected to be observed on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Due to its placement mid-week, the holiday may be transferred to create a longer weekend for residents.
Transferable? Yes.
Prophet’s Birthday
The Prophet’s Birthday falls on Rabi Al Awwal 12, with the likely date being Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Similar to Hijri New Year, this holiday may also be transferred to facilitate an extended break.
Transferable? Yes.
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
The UAE will mark its 55th National Day in 2026 with a two-day holiday on December 2 and 3, which falls on Wednesday and Thursday. If transferred, residents could enjoy a final four-day weekend to end the year.
AI contributed to the creation of this article.