Posted by The United Arab Emirates is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, attracting visitors with sunshine, beaches, shopping, luxury hotels, and cultural experiences. If you are planning a trip in 2026, it is helpful to understand the UAE public holiday calendar. National and religious holidays can influence opening hours, flight prices, hotel availability, and traffic patterns.
This guide explains all official UAE holidays in 2026 in simple English, including what to expect in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates during these special days.
Why UAE Holidays Matter for Travelers
Public holidays in the UAE are important for tourists for several reasons:
- Busy travel periods: Hotels and flights may be fully booked.
- Shopping malls stay open, but government offices close.
- Festivals and events: Many celebrations offer special programs.
- Traffic: Peak traffic around beaches, malls, and theme parks.
- Tour availability: Desert safaris and cruises may sell out.
The UAE follows the Islamic lunar calendar for many holidays, so dates may shift by one day depending on moon sightings. The dates listed here are the officially announced or widely expected dates for 2026.
UAE Public Holidays 2026 – Overview
The major public holidays in the UAE in 2026 are:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Isra and Mi’raj: February 6
- Eid al-Fitr: April 20
- Arafat Day: June 25
- Eid al-Adha: June 27
- Hijri New Year: mid-August (estimated)
- Prophet’s Birthday: mid-September (estimated)
- Commemoration Day: December 1
- UAE National Day: December 2
Some holidays create long weekends, making them very busy periods for hotel bookings and flights.
New Year’s Day – January 1
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the UAE. Dubai and Abu Dhabi host major fireworks shows at midnight on December 31. Popular locations include:
- Burj Khalifa
- Burj Al Arab
- Dubai Marina
- The Palm Jumeirah
January 1 is typically peaceful, with malls open and public transport running on a holiday schedule.
Isra and Mi’raj – February 6
This is an Islamic holiday commemorating the night journey of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a quiet day with closed government offices but open malls, restaurants, and most attractions. Alcohol sales may be restricted in some places.
Eid al-Fitr – April 20 (end of Ramadan)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is one of the most important holidays in the UAE. Families meet, children receive gifts, and many residents travel inside or outside the region.
What tourists should expect:
- Malls and attractions are very busy
- Desert safaris and boat tours sell out quickly
- Hotel prices are higher than normal
- Restaurants return to normal hours after Ramadan restrictions
If you plan to visit in April 2026, book hotels early.
Arafat Day – June 25
Arafat Day is part of the Hajj season and marks the day before Eid al-Adha. It is a quiet day with closed government offices but open commercial businesses. Traffic in cities is normal.
Eid al-Adha – June 27
Eid al-Adha is the second major Islamic festival and a three- to four-day holiday period. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
For tourists:
- Large crowds at malls and parks
- Family activities and public celebrations
- Hotels on the beach fully booked
- Traffic around beaches and shopping areas is heavy
Public transport runs normally, but schedules may vary slightly.
Hijri New Year – August (exact date depends on moon sighting)
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the lunar Hijri calendar. It is a one-day public holiday. The date often shifts by one day depending on the moon.
This holiday is peaceful, with no major festivities. Many residents take short vacations inside the UAE.
Prophet’s Birthday – September (exact date varies)
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is a public holiday. Cultural events may take place in mosques and community centers. Malls, restaurants, and attractions remain open as usual.
Commemoration Day – December 1
Also known as Martyrs’ Day, this is a day of remembrance in the UAE. Government offices close, and special ceremonies take place.
For tourists, it is a quiet but normal travel day, with no restrictions on attractions or shopping.
UAE National Day – December 2
National Day celebrates the founding of the UAE in 1971. It is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, with spectacular events in all emirates.
What to expect:
- Fireworks across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah
- Special shows with drones and lights
- Concerts and cultural exhibitions
- Traffic around major squares and beaches
National Day is extremely popular, and hotels near Downtown Dubai or the Corniche in Abu Dhabi are often fully booked.
How Holidays Affect Tourist Activities
The UAE is very tourist-friendly, and most attractions remain open on public holidays, including:
- shopping malls
- theme parks
- beaches
- restaurants
- desert safari providers
- boat tour companies
Government offices, banks, and embassies are usually closed.
Public Transport During Holidays
The metro, buses, and trams run on slightly modified schedules during public holidays, often with extended hours in Dubai.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps operate normally but may experience higher demand.
Events & Festivals During UAE Holidays
Several holidays are associated with special events that tourists can enjoy:
Fireworks & Light Shows
- New Year’s Eve
- Eid celebrations (selected locations)
- National Day
Cultural Festivals
- Ramadan markets
- Heritage village events
- National Day exhibitions and parades
Tour operators often create special holiday packages for these events.
Tips for Tourists Visiting During Holidays
- Book hotels early: especially around Eid and National Day.
- Reserve tours in advance: desert safaris, dinner cruises, theme parks.
- Arrive early: malls and beaches become crowded.
- Check public transport schedules: especially after midnight.
- Respect local traditions: especially during Islamic holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shops closed on UAE holidays?
No. Malls, restaurants, supermarkets, and attractions stay open.
Are there restrictions during Ramadan?
Yes, during Ramadan there are rules about eating in public and opening hours, but Eid al-Fitr marks the end of these restrictions.
Are beaches open during holidays?
Yes, beaches are open and usually very busy.
Do desert safaris run during holidays?
Yes, but many tours sell out early.
Summary: UAE Public Holidays 2026
Understanding UAE holidays helps travelers plan better. Most attractions remain open, but public spaces become livelier and more crowded. Whether you want to experience the celebrations or avoid busy periods, a clear overview of the holiday calendar makes your trip smoother and more enjoyable.