In a significant move to enhance work-life balance, the UAE has implemented a new law effective from 2025, allowing public holidays to be shifted to the start or end of the week when they fall mid-week. This innovative policy enables residents to enjoy longer, uninterrupted breaks. The system was first tested during the 2025 Eid Al Etihad holiday, which was moved to create a four-day weekend for UAE National Day celebrations. Looking ahead to 2026, this flexible approach is set to benefit residents further, with seven religious, national, and general occasions offering extended weekends, including a six-day break. Key holidays include Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha, the Hijri New Year, the Prophet’s Birthday, and UAE National Day. Notably, Islamic holidays are subject to moon sighting, with astronomical calculations providing likely dates for planning purposes. The year begins with a public holiday on January 1, 2026, which could be transferred to create a three-day weekend. Eid Al Adha, expected to fall between May 26 and May 29, could result in a six-day break when combined with the weekend. The UAE National Day, celebrated on December 2 and 3, may also be adjusted to form a four-day weekend. This progressive approach underscores the UAE’s commitment to improving residents’ quality of life while respecting cultural and religious traditions.
UAE public holidays 2026: 6-day break, long weekends, transferable dates explained
