There are many religious and national holidays in UAE, and each one is a joyous event. The UAE residents love to celebrate, and as soon as one holiday is over, they eagerly await the next holiday in UAE.
The holidays in UAE are always a cause for celebration. Why wouldn’t they be? UAE is one of the brightest, most colorful, and most atmospheric countries in the world.
It is possible that the next holiday in UAE is right around the corner since there are eight major holidays with 16 days off in total in 2026. Eid holidays in May & July, along with back-to-back National Day and Commemoration Day in December are the longest holidays of the year.
Finding the next public holiday in UAE can be a little tricky. But after you go through this Dbd guide, you will get your answers. So keep reading.
Find the next public holiday in UAE
There are several holidays in the calendar year 2026 for the residents of the UAE. We have listed out all public holidays for your convenience. Simply go through them and you will know when the next holiday is.
Let’s take a look at the up and coming holidays in UAE.
| Holidays | Dates |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January |
| Eid al-Fitr | 30 April to 6 May |
| Arafat Day | 8 July |
| Eid al-Adha | 9 to 11 July |
| Hijri (Islamic New Year) | 30 July |
| Prophet’s Birthday | 8 October |
| Commemoration Day | 1 December |
| National Day | 2 and 3 December |
New Year’s Day – 1 January
The first holiday in the calendar year is New Year’s day. New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the United Arab Emirates, and it is celebrated on January 1 like in many other countries.
On this day, most public offices and educational institutions are closed, and people have the day off from work. Many people take this opportunity to spend time with family and friends, visit new places, and dine out.
Dubai is truly a city to behold on New Year’s Eve! It gains attention from all over the world for its spectacular fireworks display, which is set off from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
If you are in Dubai on New Year’s Eve, make sure to head to the Burj Khalifa to catch a glimpse of the fireworks.
Eid al-Fitr – 30 April to 6 May
The next holiday is Eid Al Fitr, which is from the 30th of April to the 6th of May. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the end of the month of Ramadan.
The exact date of this festival is May 2nd, but the government has announced the holidays to begin on April 30th, which is on Saturday. All government sector workers will have a week-long holiday.
This holiday marks the end of the fasting period and is a time of happiness and celebration. The food served during Eid al-Fitr is typically sweet and rich, as it is a time to indulge after a month of abstinence.
Arafat Day – 8 July
After Eid al-Fitr, the next holiday in UAE is Arafat Day which falls on the 8th of July. Arafat day holds great significance for Muslims around the world.
It commemorates the day when Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon to Muslims after completing Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. It took place at Mount Arafat.
Eid al-Adha – 9 to 11 July
Right after Arafat, UAE residents will get another holiday. The Eid al-Adha holiday lasts from 9 July to 11 July.
Eid Al-Adha is an important Islamic holiday that takes place annually on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. The holiday commemorates the day when Prophet Ibraham became ready to sacrifice his own son upon God’s order.
Eid Al-Adha is a time for family and friends to gather together and celebrate. It is also a time for giving thanks to God for His blessings.
Hijri (Islamic New Year) – 30 July
So the next holiday after Eid al-Adha is the Islamic New Year which falls on the 30th of July. The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, is the first day of Muharram.
It marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is considered to be one of the holiest months.
The Islamic New Year is a time for Muslims to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the year ahead. It is also a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate.
Prophet’s Birthday – 8 October
The next holiday, which is the Prophet’s birthday, comes three months after Eid Al-Adha. It takes place on October 8.
Muslims across the world eagerly celebrate the Prophet Muhammed’s birthday on this auspicious day. In 2026, the public holiday falls on Saturday.
Prophet Muhammed’s birthday is a time to reflect on the prophet’s life and his sacrifices for the Muslim people. Muslims sing prayers in mosques on this day as a way to show their devotion to both God and the Prophet.
This holiday is an opportunity for families to get together and for children to learn about their religious heritage. In addition to religious celebrations, people also enjoy festive meals and exchange gifts.
The Prophet Muhammed’s birthday is a cherished tradition that allows Muslims to connect and remember the importance of their faith.
Commemoration Day – 1 December
On December 1st, the people of UAE celebrate Commemoration Day, which is also called Martyr’s Day.
Martyrs day is a special day in the United Arab Emirates. On this day, the country comes together to commemorate the fallen soldiers who fought for the independence and unification of the Emirates.
Throughout the country, special ceremonies and memorial events are held to honor their memory. On this day, people of all ages take time to reflect on the bravery and heroism of those who lost their lives in service to their country.
National Day – 2 and 3 December
Just another day after Commemoration day is the UAE National Day, which falls on the 2nd of December. It commemorates the day when the seven emirate states united to form one country back in 1971.
This is the day when six trucial states under British protection and Ras Al Khaimah joined forces to declare themselves independent from British rule.
The UAE government has announced a holiday on Friday, 2nd of December as well as Saturday, 3rd of December for the people of UAE to celebrate the occasion.
Related Stories
- Fathers Day is when we celebrate the presence of an important guardian in our lives. Read our guide – Fathers Day in UAE to know how you can celebrate it.
- Learn more about the importance of Eid in our Dbd guide – Eid holidays in UAE.
- Check out our Dbd guide – UAE National Day to learn how to celebrate it and how it began.
- Every UAE resident must know the significance of the country’s symbol. Learn about UAE Flag Day from our guide.
- Mothers are the most important figures in most people’s lives. See how Mothers Day in UAE is celebrated to show them love and appreciation.
FAQs on next holiday in UAE
How many public holidays are there in 2026 UAE?
In 2026, there will be eight holidays in UAE. Eid al-Fitr is the longest public holiday for people in UAE.
Is there a public holiday in UAE tomorrow?
To know if there is a public holiday in UAE tomorrow, you must refer to the article above. If tomorrow’s date is listed above, it is a holiday.
How many days off for the coming holidays in UAE?
The coming holidays in UAE will amount to a total of 16 days. These 16 days come from the eight≈ holidays announced by the government.
Final thoughts
With a total of 16 days off in 2026, you will have plenty of time to enjoy. These coming holidays in UAE are quite special for people living there. They provide the opportunity to get together, enjoy, or just relax for a while.
Whether it is the religious Eid festival or the patriotic Martyrs’ Day, there are many different ways to enjoy the holidays. With each holiday, there are also incredible celebrations taking place in major cities like Dubai. Don’t miss them.
How are you planning to celebrate the next holiday in UAE? Share our Dbd guide on social media and let us know!
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