A new law that came into effect at the beginning of 2025 in the UAE has enabled the transfer of some official holidays to the beginning or end of the week. This law allows residents of the UAE to benefit from longer and more continuous holidays.

For the first time in December 2024, the UAE National Day holiday (Eid Al-Union) was moved, allowing residents of Dubai to enjoy a four-day weekend. The National Day holiday, which was originally scheduled for December 2 and 3 (Tuesday and Wednesday), was officially moved to December 1 and 2, resulting in a four-day holiday from November 29 to December 2.

The year 2026 will feature seven religious, national, and public occasions, including two confirmed long holidays: one 6-day holiday and four transferable holidays to create longer weekends. The dates of Islamic holidays depend on the sighting of the moon, but recent astronomical calculations have indicated potential dates for Eid Al-Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid Al-Adha, the Islamic New Year, and the Prophet's Birthday.

The New Year holiday for 2026 is a public holiday on January 1. If this holiday is moved to Friday, January 2, by the UAE cabinet, residents will enjoy a three-day weekend to start the year. Eid Al-Fitr will be celebrated from March 20 to 22 (three public holidays), and Eid Al-Adha along with Arafah Day will take place from May 26 to 29, which, combined with the weekend, will create the longest official holiday of 2026 with 6 consecutive days off.

The Islamic New Year is likely on June 16, the Prophet's Birthday on August 25, and the UAE National Day on December 2 and 3. These three holidays are transferable and could be turned into four-day weekends if decided by the cabinet. Residents of Dubai and the UAE can maximize their enjoyment of these official holidays with proper planning.

Source: Gulf Times