Planning ahead is the smartest way to enjoy long breaks without using too many leave days, and the UAE public holidays 2026 calendar gives residents the perfect opportunity to do exactly that. By combining strategic annual leave with official public holidays, UAE employees can transform just 9 leave days into a mega 38-day holiday year.
Overview of UAE Public Holidays 2026
The UAE Government releases the annual holiday schedule every year, covering both Islamic and civil observances. For 2026, residents can expect a well-distributed list of holidays. While Islamic dates may shift based on moon sighting, predictions help employees plan early.
When used wisely, the UAE public holidays 2026 schedule can multiply your leave benefits significantly.
How to Maximise UAE Public Holidays 2026 for Longer Breaks
Below is the breakdown of each 2026 UAE holiday, the best leave days to book, and how many total off days you can create.
New Year’s Day 2026
Holiday: Friday, January 1
Best Days to Book
Book: Friday, January 2
Result
With the weekend included, you get a four-day break by using just one annual leave day.
Eid Al Fitr 2026
Predicted holidays: Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22
Best Days to Book
Book: March 16–19 (Monday to Thursday)
Result
Using five annual leave days, you unlock a seven-day break.
A great start to the year using the UAE public holidays 2026 calendar.
Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha 2026
Predicted:
- Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26
- Eid Al Adha: Wednesday–Friday, May 27–29
Best Days to Book
Book: Monday, May 25
Result
One leave day gives you nine full days off, surrounded by both weekends.
This is the most valuable stretch in the UAE public holidays 2026 lineup.
Islamic New Year 2026
Holiday: Wednesday, June 17
Best Days to Book
Book: Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19
Result
Two leave days unlock a five-day long weekend.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday 2026
Predicted holiday: Tuesday, August 25
Best Days to Book
Book: Monday, August 24
Result
This gives you a smooth four-day weekend with minimal leave usage.
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) 2026
Predicted holidays:
- Commemoration Day: Tuesday, December 1
- National Day: Wednesday–Thursday, December 2–3
Best Days to Book
Book:
- Monday, November 30
- Tuesday, December 1
- Friday, December 4
Result
This stretch creates another nine-day break to end the year perfectly.
Final Calculation for UAE Public Holidays 2026
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Total public holiday days | 13 days |
| Annual leave days used | 9 days |
| Total days off enjoyed | 38 days |
Smart planning with the UAE public holidays 2026 schedule gives you almost four times your annual leave value.
Understanding ‘Sandwich Leave’ in the UAE
Under Article 29(7) of the UAE Federal Labour Law, public holidays falling within your approved leave still count as part of your annual leave—unless your company’s policy provides a more generous rule.
This is commonly called sandwich leave, meaning public holidays during your leave are included in your total leave count.
Always check your HR policy before planning long breaks around the UAE public holidays 2026 calendar.
Three Key Tips for Managing Annual Leave in 2026
Plan and Apply Early
Peak seasons fill fast, so submit your leave requests well in advance.
Follow Official HR Channels
Use your company’s approved HR system for all leave requests.
Stay Flexible
If your preferred dates clash with business needs, prepare backup plans.
Why Your Leave Application May Be Rejected
Operational Requirements
Some roles cannot be vacant during critical business periods.
Overlapping Requests
Multiple employees requesting the same days can cause limitations.
Policy Violations
Late filings or excessive bridging attempts may lead to rejection.
Insufficient Leave Balance
You must have enough leave days available to apply.
Conclusion
The UAE public holidays 2026 schedule offers outstanding opportunities to maximise time off with minimal annual leave. With strategic planning, you can turn just 9 leave days into an impressive 38 days off, allowing plenty of time for travel, rest, and family.
