Only two public holidays remain on the UAE calendar for 2026 — and both have real potential to become long weekends under the country’s holiday-transfer rule. Here’s what’s expected, and what’s still unconfirmed.
Next Up: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid)
The religious date falls on the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal, projected as Tuesday, August 25, 2026 based on current Hijri calendar projections. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the government can shift midweek public holidays to the start or end of the working week — and UAE media reporting consistently expects this holiday to be observed on Monday, August 24 instead, creating a three-day weekend (Saturday through Monday).
Important: this is not yet officially confirmed. The exact date depends on moon sighting confirmation, and the transfer itself requires a separate Cabinet decision, typically announced only days beforehand. Don’t book non-refundable travel around this date until an official circular is published.
Stretching It Further
If you want a longer break, taking Friday, August 21 as annual leave bridges into the weekend for a four-day break (Friday–Monday). Adding Tuesday, August 25 as well — the actual religious date — extends it to five consecutive days off using just two days of annual leave.
After That: UAE National Day
The final holiday of 2026 is fixed (not moon-dependent): December 2–3, 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday), marking the UAE’s formation in 1971. Combined with the following Friday–Saturday weekend, this already gives four consecutive days off without needing any transfer or leave day — and the Cabinet has transferred National Day for extended breaks in past years, so a further extension is possible.
Planning Around This
Between the two remaining 2026 holidays, UAE residents could see a 3-day August weekend and a 4-5 day December break — a combined 8 days off across the rest of the year from just two public holidays. If you’re planning to use annual leave strategically, see our Jobs & Careers guide for how UAE leave entitlements work.
Written August 1, 2026. Dates depend on official moon sighting and Cabinet confirmation — treat all dates above as strong expectations based on consistent UAE media reporting and the standard transfer rule, not confirmed fact. We’ll update this guide once official circulars are published.
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