Planning your year in Abu Dhabi means looking beyond last-minute announcements and understanding how public holidays in Abu Dhabi shape travel, school breaks, and long weekends across the calendar.
While Islamic holidays are confirmed closer to the time based on moon sightings, the predicted public holiday dates for 2026 already give residents and businesses a clear framework to plan, from family travel and staycations to strategic annual leave and key business periods.
Below is a breakdown of the expected public holidays in Abu Dhabi for 2026, with dates subject to official confirmation.
Public Holidays in Abu Dhabi 2026 (Predicted Dates)
Friday, 20 to Sunday 22 March 2026, Eid Al Fitr (predicted)
Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall between Friday, 20 March, and Sunday, 22 March, 2026, subject to moon sighting.
This is one of the most important holidays of the year and typically brings a three-day public holiday.
Tuesday 26 May 2026 – Arafat Day (predicted)
Arafat Day is expected on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, and precedes Eid Al Adha. While observed as a single public holiday, it plays an important role in creating one of the longest potential holiday periods of the year when combined with the days that follow.
Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 May 2026 – Eid Al Adha (predicted)
Eid Al Adha is predicted to run from Wednesday, 27 May, to Friday, 29 May 2026. When combined with Arafat Day and the weekend, this period can create an extended break, making it a popular choice for longer holidays before the peak summer heat.
Tuesday 16 June 2026 – Islamic New Year (predicted)
The Islamic New Year is expected to fall on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. As with other single-day religious holidays, there is the possibility that it may be shifted to create a long weekend, depending on official government announcements.
Tuesday 25 August 2026 – Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (predicted)
Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is predicted to be observed on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. This public holiday is often moved to a Monday to allow for a long weekend, offering a welcome pause during the late summer period.
Tuesday 1 December 2026 – Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day will be observed on Tuesday, 1 December 2026. This day honours the sacrifices of Emirati martyrs and is marked with official ceremonies and moments of reflection across the country.
Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026 – UAE National Day
UAE National Day celebrations take place on Wednesday, 2 December, and Thursday, 3 December 2026.
Combined with Commemoration Day, this creates one of the most vibrant holiday periods of the year, with large-scale events, cultural celebrations, and increased domestic travel across the emirates.
How to Maximise Your Annual Leave in Abu Dhabi in 2026
With a bit of planning, 2026 offers several chances to turn a small number of annual leave days into longer breaks by combining public holidays with weekends in Abu Dhabi.
• Eid Al Fitr (March, predicted)
Take 4 days of leave after the Eid holiday to enjoy up to 9 consecutive days off, making this one of the best windows for longer travel.
• Eid Al Adha (May, predicted)
With Arafat Day and Eid falling midweek, taking as little as 1 day of annual leave can create up to 6 days off, or up to 9 days with additional leave.
• Islamic New Year (June, predicted)
If observed midweek or moved to a Monday, 4 days of annual leave can result in a 9-day break.
• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (August, predicted)
Another midweek holiday that can be extended into a 9-day break using 4 days of leave if shifted to create a long weekend.
• National Day period (December)
Taking 2 days of annual leave around Commemoration Day and National Day can give you up to 7 days off, with the option to extend further.
UAE Public Holidays in 2026
For residents and businesses in Abu Dhabi, 2026 offers several strong opportunities to maximise annual leave by combining public holidays with weekends, particularly around Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and early December.
As Islamic holidays are based on lunar sightings, final dates will be officially confirmed closer to the time, so flexibility is recommended when planning travel or major commitments.
