Public holidays in the UAE are official days off mandated by the government under the UAE Labour Law. The UAE observes both fixed national holidays and Islamic holidays that shift each year based on the lunar calendar. As an employer, you need to know which holidays apply, how to pay employees, and what happens when holidays fall on weekends.
The UAE’s holiday structure reflects its position as a multicultural hub — national holidays celebrate Emirati identity while Islamic holidays observe the faith of the majority population. This guide covers all UAE public holidays for 2026 and your obligations under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organisation.
2026 UAE Public Holidays
Fixed National Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November | Monday |
| National Day | 2-3 December | Tuesday-Wednesday |
Islamic Holidays (Dates Subject to Confirmation)
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar and shift each year. The dates below are estimated for 2026:
| Holiday | Estimated Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan) | 20-22 March | Friday-Sunday |
| Arafat Day | 27 May | Thursday |
| Eid Al Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) | 28-30 May | Friday-Sunday |
| Islamic New Year | 17 July | Friday |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | 15 September | Tuesday |
Important: Islamic holiday dates are confirmed by the UAE government each year, typically 1-2 weeks before the holiday. The dates above are estimates based on astronomical calculations.
Holiday Duration
Most UAE public holidays last multiple days:
| Holiday | Duration |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 day |
| Eid Al Fitr | 3 days |
| Arafat Day | 1 day |
| Eid Al Adha | 3 days |
| Islamic New Year | 1 day |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | 1 day |
| Commemoration Day | 1 day |
| National Day | 2 days |
Total: Approximately 14 days of public holidays per year.
How to Pay Employees on Public Holidays
Salaried Employees
Salaried employees receive their regular monthly salary for public holidays. The holiday is included in their salary — no additional payment is required unless they work.
Daily-Wage Employees
For daily-wage employees, the holiday pay is calculated as:
Average daily earnings over the last 30 days before the holiday
Working on a Public Holiday
If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to:
- A substitute day off — Within 30 days of the public holiday
- PLUS an additional day’s wages — Or, if the employee agrees, a day off in lieu
The employee must give consent to work on a public holiday.
Weekend Structure
The UAE has a Saturday-Sunday weekend for most private-sector companies (changed from Friday-Saturday in 2022):
- Private sector: Saturday-Sunday (most companies)
- Government sector: Monday-Friday (some entities)
- Free zones: Varies by zone authority
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday (the weekend), the following working day is typically observed as the replacement holiday.
Example: Eid Al Fitr starts on Friday 20 March 2026. Since Friday is a working day in the UAE, employees get Friday-Sunday off (3 days).
Commemoration Day and National Day
Commemoration Day (30 November) honours the sacrifices of Emirati martyrs. National Day (2 December) celebrates the founding of the UAE. In 2026, these holidays span:
- Monday 30 November (Commemoration Day)
- Tuesday 2 December (National Day)
- Wednesday 3 December (National Day)
Since Tuesday and Wednesday fall between the weekend and Commemoration Day, employees effectively get a long weekend: Saturday 28 November through Wednesday 3 December.
Probation Period and Holidays
During probation, employees are still entitled to public holidays. However:
- The probation period is extended by the number of public holidays that fall within it
- This is because the probation period is measured in working days, not calendar days
Example: A 90-day probation period that includes 3 public holidays effectively becomes 93 calendar days.
Annual Leave and Public Holidays
Public holidays that fall during an employee’s annual leave do not count as annual leave days. The leave period is extended by the number of public holidays.
Example: An employee takes annual leave from 20-30 March 2026. Eid Al Fitr (20-22 March) falls within this period. The employee uses 5 leave days (23, 24, 25, 26, 27 March), not 8.
Common Mistakes
Assuming Islamic Holiday Dates Are Fixed
Islamic holidays shift each year. Don’t rely on last year’s dates — check the official government announcement each year.
Not Extending Probation Periods
Public holidays during probation extend the period. Failing to account for this can result in the employee being confirmed before the probation period is complete.
Forgetting Substitute Days
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, you must provide a substitute day on the next working day. Failing to do so is a violation of the UAE Labour Law.
Incorrect Daily-Wage Calculations
Daily-wage employees must receive holiday pay based on their average daily earnings. Using the wrong base can result in underpayment.
Key Takeaways
- The UAE observes approximately 14 days of public holidays each year
- Islamic holidays shift each year — always check official government announcements
- When a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following working day is observed
- Employees who work on a public holiday receive a substitute day off plus an additional day’s wages
- Public holidays during annual leave extend the leave period
- Probation periods are extended by the number of public holidays that fall within them
Managing public holidays in the UAE — especially with shifting Islamic dates and the weekend-to-weekday conversion — requires constant attention. Leave Balance tracks UAE holiday dates automatically so you never miss a compliance deadline.