After the extended Eid Al Adha celebrations gave residents across the UAE a welcome break, many people are already looking ahead to the next opportunity for time off. If you're planning future travel, a staycation, or simply counting down to your next day off work, here's what you need to know about Dubai's upcoming public holidays.

What Is the Next Public Holiday in the UAE?

The next official public holiday is expected to be the Islamic New Year, which marks the beginning of the year 1448 AH on the Islamic Hijri calendar.

Unlike holidays that follow the Gregorian calendar, the date of the Islamic New Year is determined by lunar observations. As a result, the exact day will only be officially confirmed closer to the occasion.

Current forecasts suggest that Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic year, will fall on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. This prediction assumes that Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, lasts 29 days.

Could the Holiday Be Moved?

Under UAE public holiday regulations, certain holidays that occur midweek may be shifted to create a longer weekend for residents and visitors.

Because the Islamic New Year is expected to fall on a Tuesday, authorities could move the public holiday to Monday, June 15, 2026. However, no official confirmation has been announced yet, so residents should wait for government updates closer to the date.

UAE Public Holidays in 2026

Below is the expected schedule of public holidays across the UAE for 2026:

New Year's Day: January 1 (Thursday)

Eid Al Fitr: March 19 to March 21 (Thursday to Saturday)

Arafat Day: May 26 (Tuesday)

Eid Al Adha: May 27 to May 29 (Wednesday to Friday)

Islamic New Year: Expected holiday on June 15 (Monday), with the official date anticipated on June 16 (Tuesday)

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH): Expected holiday on August 24 (Monday), with the official date anticipated on August 25 (Tuesday)

UAE National Day: December 2 and December 3 (Wednesday and Thursday)

Plan Ahead for Your Next Break

Whether you're considering a quick getaway from Dubai or planning a longer vacation, keeping track of public holiday dates can help you make the most of your annual leave. While some Islamic holidays remain subject to moon sightings and official announcements, the current calendar already offers several opportunities for long weekends throughout 2026.