Overview
- The Emirates Astronomy Society, via Ibrahim Al Jarwan, projects Ramadan to begin on February 18, with Eid Al Fitr expected to start on March 20 and Eid Al Adha on May 27.
- At least 12 official public holidays are anticipated in 2026, giving residents multiple opportunities to plan extended breaks.
- Forecasts point to Arafat Day on May 26, Eid Al Adha from May 27 to 29, the Hijri New Year around mid-June, the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday in late August, and National Day on December 2 and 3.
- Islamic holiday dates remain provisional pending lunar confirmation, and UAE rules allow the Cabinet to shift some non-Eid holidays to the week’s start or end to create long weekends.
- Leave-planning guides suggest residents could secure up to about 41 days off using roughly 14 days of leave or up to 45 days using around 17, with totals varying by whether employers count working days or calendar days.