UAE public holidays for 2025 and 2026 revealed

A possible four-day weekend in September 2025 and five-day break in December could see UAE residents scrambling for last-minute getaways and staycations, while 2026 could deliver up to 12 separate public holidays, including a six-day weekend in May. 

 

While agents and suppliers keep an eye on the calendar, firm plans depend on official announcements and moon sightings, fuelling constant demand for spontaneous deals and staycation options. 

 

The recent move to standardise school holidays for both public and private schools adds further complexity, shaping family travel decisions and potentially impacting flight prices.

 

The UAE academic year 2025/26 begins on 25 August 2025 and runs until 7 December 2025, with a mid-term break from 13 to 19 October 2025.

 

The second school term runs from 5 January to 15 March 2026 with a break from 11 to 15 February 2026. And term three runs from 30 March to 3 July 2026, with half term being 25 to 31 May 2026, and aligned with Eid Al Adha holiday.

 

2025 potential long weekends

The next public holiday for all UAE residents is potentially 5 September 2025 to mark Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) which would fall on a Friday, meaning UAE travellers could enjoy a 3-day weekend. 

 

Bearing in mind this is just two weeks after the new school term starts after the long summer break, families may be more likely to stay home and wait for the October half term for travel plans.

 

However, Prophet’s Birthday could fall on Thursday 4 September 2025, depending on the moon sighting, which may mean a 4-day weekend which would boost bookings.

 

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Also later this year, UAE National Day celebrations fall on 2 and 3 December 2025, which are a Tuesday and Wednesday. No announcement has yet been made but 1 December 2025 could be declared a holiday and additional day off, creating a 5-day weekend.

 

Bearing in mind the new school term dates, which sees term one end on Sunday 7 December 2025, some families (and schools) may be considering how to handle the last two ‘working’ days of the year if indeed there is that long weekend break.

 

Introduced at the beginning of 2025, the UAE public holiday law means residents can expect a minimum of 12 official holiday days in 2026 as the government has said it may transfer public holidays if they fall on a weekend (except from Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha) and move some dates to extend weekends rather than fall midweek.

 

Possible public holidays for 2026

UAE residents can expect a possible 12 public holidays in 2026 including a possible six-day weekend from Tuesday 26 May 2026 which encompasses Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha. This coincides with the school mid-term holiday and is sure to be a peak travel period.

 

Before that, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Friday 20 March to Sunday 22 March 2026.

 

Islamic New Year will officially be Tuesday 16 June but moved a day earlier to create another long weekend, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) could also be moved to Monday 24 August from the day after.

 

UAE National Day is Tuesday 1 December and Wednesday 2 December 2026, and unlikely to be moved, but may be extended.

 

It is important to remember that all holidays mentioned above are subject to official announcements.

 

Predicted UAE Holiday Dates 2025/2026

5 September 2025 – Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH)

13 to 19 October 2025 – school holidays

2 to 3 December 2025 – UAE National Day

7 December 2025 to 5 January 2026 – school holidays

1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day

11 to 15 February 2026 – school holidays

15 to 30 March 2026 – school holidays

20 to 22 March 2026 – Eid Al Fitr 

25 to 31 May 2026 – school holidays 

26 to 31 May 2026 – Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha

15 June 2026 – Islamic New Year 

3 July 2026 – end of academic year

24 August 2026 – Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH)

1 to 2 December 2026 – UAE National Day

 

For more information, visit u.ae/public-holidays