The UAE observes up to 14 public holidays per year, governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations. In 2027, the exact dates of Islamic holidays are subject to moon sighting, making planning challenging for employers. The UAE Cabinet officially announces holiday dates each year.
This guide covers the confirmed and estimated public holidays, pay rules, and practical tips for managing a UAE workforce.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- The UAE observes up to 14 public holidays per year
- Islamic holiday dates are confirmed by moon sighting and may shift by 1-2 days
- Employees are entitled to paid leave on all public holidays
- The government may announce “long weekends” by merging adjacent holidays
- Public sector and private sector holidays are now aligned under the UAE Labour Law
UAE Public Holidays 2027 (Estimated)
The UAE Cabinet officially announces holiday dates each year. The following are estimated based on the Islamic and Gregorian calendars:
| Holiday | Estimated Date | Days Off |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January (Friday) | 1 |
| Eid Al Fitr | ~20-22 March* | 3 |
| Arafat Day | ~28 May* | 1 |
| Eid Al Adha | ~29 May - 1 June* | 3 |
| Islamic New Year | ~19 June* | 1 |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | ~18 August* | 1 |
| Commemoration Day | 30 November (Monday) | 1 |
| National Day | 2 December (Tuesday) | 1 |
*Islamic holiday dates are estimated. Actual dates depend on moon sighting announcements by the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee.
Total Estimated Days Off
Including the 3 Eid Al Fitr days, 3 Eid Al Adha days, and the other holidays, employees receive approximately 12-14 paid days off per year.
How Islamic Holidays Work
Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan)
- 3 days off following the end of Ramadan
- Dates shift annually based on the Islamic calendar
- The government may extend to 4 days by declaring a weekend extension
Eid Al Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
- 3 days off starting on Arafat Day
- Includes the Day of Sacrifice and two following days
- One of the longest holiday periods in the UAE
Arafat Day
- 1 day off before Eid Al Adha
- The day of gathering at Mount Arafat during Hajj
Islamic New Year and Prophet’s Birthday
- 1 day off each
- Dates vary significantly each year
How Public Holidays Affect Pay
Paid Leave
Under the UAE Labour Law, all employees are entitled to paid leave on public holidays. The pay is calculated as:
Daily wage = Monthly salary / Number of days in the month
Working on a Public Holiday
If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to:
- A substitute day off in addition to their regular pay, OR
- A 50% pay premium on top of their daily wage (if no substitute day is granted)
The employer and employee agree on which option applies. The employee cannot be denied both.
End of Service Gratuity
Public holidays are included in the calculation of end-of-service gratuity. Years of service that include public holidays are fully counted.
Long Weekend Declarations
The UAE government frequently declares extended holidays by:
- Merging a public holiday with the weekend (Friday-Saturday)
- Announcing additional days off for public sector employees (which private sector may follow)
- Shifting a holiday to create a longer consecutive break
Practical tip: Monitor the UAE government’s official announcements each year for extended holiday declarations. These are often announced with short notice.
Common Employer Challenges
1. Moon Sighting Variability
Islamic holiday dates depend on moon sighting, which can change by 1-2 days. Build flexibility into your scheduling and payroll systems.
2. Extended vs Standard Holidays
The government may announce extended holidays (e.g., 4-5 days for Eid) that differ from the statutory minimum. Check whether the extension applies to private sector employees.
3. Free Zone vs Mainland
Both free zone and mainland companies must observe all public holidays. However, some free zones have additional holidays based on the zone’s rules.
4. Cross-Border Employees
Employees who work remotely from outside the UAE are not automatically entitled to UAE public holidays. Their entitlements depend on their country of residence and employment contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays are there in the UAE?
The UAE has approximately 12-14 public holidays per year, including Islamic holidays that shift annually.
Are private sector employees entitled to the same holidays as public sector?
Yes. Under the UAE Labour Law, private sector employees are entitled to all gazetted public holidays.
Can an employer require employees to work on a public holiday?
Yes, but the employee must receive either a substitute day off or a 50% pay premium.
What happens when Eid falls on a weekend?
The government typically declares a substitute holiday on the following working day, or extends the holiday period.
Do employees on probation get public holidays?
Yes. Employees on probation are entitled to paid leave on public holidays. Probation does not affect holiday entitlements.