Plan UAE Public Holidays and Ramadan 2026 Dates

Public holidays in the UAE are determined based on lunar observations, and exact dates are confirmed by the UAE’s Moon-sighting committee. These dates allow residents and citizens to plan their time off while aligning with important religious and cultural observances.

When Will Ramadan Begin in 2026?

According to forecasts from the Emirates Astronomy Society, Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin on February 18. The chairman of the board of the society, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, has stated that this year, Ramadan will be observed in mid-February due to the shorter lunar calendar.

The Islamic lunar calendar is approximately 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, important Islamic events like Ramadan occur at earlier dates each year.

Key Religious Observances for 2026

• Eid Al Fitr: Predicted to begin on March 20, marking the end of Ramadan.
• Eid Al Adha: Expected to fall on May 27, celebrated as the "Feast of Sacrifice".
• Islamic New Year: Anticipated around June 17, which will usher in the year 1448 on the Islamic calendar.

Maximize Your Public Holidays in 2026

Public holidays in the UAE often provide opportunities for residents to take extended breaks by planning leaves strategically. With careful planning, workers could leverage their annual leave to create longer holiday periods, ideal for mini-breaks or vacations.

Strategic Leave Planning

In 2026, residents may enjoy up to 41 days off while using only about 14 days of annual leave. Successful planning of extended holidays depends on how employers calculate annual leave:

• Working days: Days like Friday to Monday, combined with a two-day weekend, might only count as two leave days.
• Calendar days: These same periods may count as four leave days, depending on the policy outlined in your work contract.

Looking Ahead to Ramadan in 2027

Though it may seem early, initial astronomical projections place Ramadan in 2027 to begin around February 6, with Eid Al Fitr likely to be observed on March 8. This trend of having Ramadan in the first quarter of the Gregorian calendar is expected to continue until the early 2030s.

After the 2030s, Ramadan and related observances will gradually shift toward the end of the Gregorian calendar year as the lunar cycle completes its rotation.

The Influence of the Lunar Calendar

Religious events in the Islamic calendar follow the lunar system, making them shift earlier by 10-12 days each year when compared to the fixed Gregorian calendar. This unique characteristic influences the timing of widely celebrated holidays such as Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha, allowing for these significant events to be observed in different Gregorian months over the years.