Living in the UAE often means balancing a busy work life with well-deserved downtime. But public holidays here aren’t just about long weekends and staycations—they have a direct impact on your financial life, from when your salary hits your account to when the stock markets are open.
Knowing these dates in advance gives you a significant advantage. Whether you are a business owner planning payroll, an investor watching market movements, or simply someone trying to book a flight before prices skyrocket, preparation is key.
In this guide, we break down the expected public holidays for 2026, explain how the moon-sighting confirmation process works, and offer practical tips on managing your money during these breaks.
Understanding Public Holidays in the UAE
If you are new to the Emirates, the holiday system might seem a little different from what you are used to. It helps to understand that holidays here generally fall into two categories: fixed dates and Islamic holidays.
Fixed vs. Islamic Holidays
- Fixed Dates: These holidays happen on the same Gregorian date every year. For example, New Year’s Day (January 1) and National Day (December 2).
- Islamic Holidays: These dates are based on the Hijri (lunar) calendar. Because the lunar year is shorter than the solar year, these holidays shift forward by approximately 10 to 11 days annually.
The Role of Moon Sighting
You will often see Islamic holiday dates marked as “subject to moon sighting.” This means the exact dates for holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are only confirmed a few days in advance by the moon-sighting committee.
While astronomers can predict these dates with high accuracy, the official announcement from the UAE government (specifically the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, or FAHR) is the final word. This applies to the public sector, private sector, banks, and schools.
2026 UAE Public Holiday Calendar
Below is the estimated schedule for 2026. Please remember that while fixed dates are certain, Islamic holidays are predictions based on astronomical calculations and are subject to official confirmation.
2026 Holiday Schedule
|
Estimated Date |
Occasion |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Thu, 1 Jan |
New Year’s Day |
Confirmed fixed holiday. |
|
Mon, 20 Mar – Wed, 22 Mar |
Eid Al Fitr* |
Marks the end of Ramadan. Dates are dependent on the moon sighting. |
|
Sun, 27 May |
Arafat Day* |
The day before Eid Al Adha. |
|
Mon, 28 May – Wed, 30 May |
Eid Al Adha* |
The Festival of Sacrifice. Typically a 3-day break. |
|
Tue, 16 Jun |
Islamic New Year* |
Hijri New Year (1448). |
|
Sun, 23 Aug |
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday* |
(Mawlid al-Nabi). |
|
Tue, 1 Dec |
Commemoration Day |
Honours Emirati martyrs. |
|
Wed, 2 Dec – Thu, 3 Dec |
UAE National Day |
The 55th National Day celebrations. |
*Dates marked with an asterisk are subject to moon sighting and official government announcements.
Bank & Payment System Impacts
When the country slows down for a holiday, the banking system often does too. Understanding how this affects your money can save you from late fees or missed transfers.
Closures and Processing Times
During official public holidays, physical bank branches across the UAE are typically closed. While ATMs and mobile banking apps remain operational, manual processing usually stops.
- Salary Transfers: If your payday falls on a public holiday, your salary might be processed on the last working day before the break or the first working day after.
- International Transfers: Cross-border payments initiated just before a holiday (like Eid) may face delays. The local clearing systems (UAEFTS) may close, meaning your money might not leave the UAE until the banks reopen.
- Cheque Clearing: Cheques deposited immediately before a holiday will likely not clear until business resumes.
Tip: If you have rent due or a major credit card payment scheduled during a long Eid break, aim to complete the transaction 1–2 working days early to ensure it clears on time.
Business & Payroll Planning
For business owners and HR managers, public holidays require careful logistical planning.
Managing Payroll
With long breaks like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, processing payroll early is a common practice in the UAE. It ensures employees have access to their funds during the holiday period, which is often a time of high personal spending.
Leave Management
Long weekends often trigger a surge in leave requests as employees try to extend their time off. It is helpful to encourage staff to submit holiday requests well in advance so you can manage resources effectively.
Monitoring Official Announcements
Always keep an eye on circulars from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for the private sector, and FAHR for the public sector. These announcements confirm the exact paid leave dates.
Financial Markets & Investor Impact
If you invest in local stocks, holiday closures will affect your trading strategy.
Market Closures
Both the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) close on official public holidays. Trading completely halts during these periods.
Liquidity and Volatility
It is common to see lower trading volumes (liquidity) in the days leading up to a major holiday like Eid. Some investors may choose to close positions before a long break to avoid holding assets during a period of uncertainty, while others might look for opportunities once the markets reopen.
Tip: Check the investor calendars on the DFM and ADX websites for confirmed trading holidays to avoid getting stuck in a position you intended to exit.
Personal Finance & Travel Budgeting Tips
Holidays are wonderful, but they can be expensive. Between gifts, travel, and socialising, costs add up quickly.
1. Plan for Peak Pricing
Flight and hotel prices in and out of the UAE skyrocket during National Day and Eid. If you plan to travel, booking 3–6 months in advance is the best way to secure a reasonable rate. If you are staying in the UAE, look for “early bird” staycation deals.
2. Budget for Zakat and Eidiya
During Eid Al Fitr, there are specific financial obligations and traditions.
- Zakat Al Fitr: A charitable donation that must be paid before the Eid prayer.
- Eidiya: The tradition of gifting cash to children and family members. Ensure you withdraw cash in small denominations from the bank before the holiday rush begins.
3. Use the Downtime Wisely
A long weekend is the perfect time to do a financial health check. Review your annual budget, check your savings goals, or set up automated transfers to your investment accounts.
2026 UAE Holiday & Finance Planner
To help you stay organised, we have created a simple summary you can save or print.
2026 Key Financial Dates at a Glance:
- Q1: New Year (Jan 1) – Review annual budget.
- Q1/Q2: Eid Al Fitr (Mar/Apr) – Plan for Zakat and travel costs.
- Q2: Eid Al Adha (May) – Pre-pay rent if due; anticipate bank closures.
- Q4: National Day (Dec 2) – Book end-of-year travel early.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2026 Eid holidays confirmed?
The exact dates are usually confirmed by the UAE moon-sighting committee 1 to 3 days before the holiday begins. However, astronomical calculations provide a very accurate estimate months in advance.
Do banks offer online services during public holidays?
Yes. You can still use mobile banking apps and online portals for internal transfers, bill payments, and checking balances. However, external transfers (to other banks or countries) may remain pending until the next working day.
Can I still use ATMs and mobile banking?
Absolutely. ATMs remain fully operational for cash withdrawals and deposits. Mobile banking is active 24/7, though human customer support via phone may have reduced hours depending on your bank.
Stay Prepared for 2026
Public holidays in the UAE are a time for celebration and rest, but a little financial foresight goes a long way. By noting these dates now, you can ensure your payments are on time, your investments are managed, and your holidays are stress-free.
Remember that while we have provided the most accurate estimates available, you should always follow official government channels for the final confirmation of dates.