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United Arab Emirates public holidays in 2026 and 2027 — what travellers need to know

Ramadan alters working hours and moves much activity into the evening. Eid and the two-day National Day holiday increase demand at hotels, malls, attractions and on the roads.

Key takeaway: It is worth visiting for the events and local atmosphere if you accept crowds and early reservations.

Public-holiday calendar for 2026 and 2027

Calendar coverage: Fixed days off and official rules cover 2026 and 2027. Islamic dates without a separate announcement are estimates because UAE holidays depend on moon sighting.

2026

DateDayHolidayNotes
1 JanuaryThursdayNew Year's Day
19 March – 22 MarchThursdayEid al-Fitrmulti-day holiday
26 MayTuesdayArafat Dayestimated date
27 May – 29 MayWednesdayEid al-Adhamulti-day holiday · estimated date
16 JuneTuesdayIslamic New Yearestimated date
25 AugustTuesdayMawlidestimated date
2 December – 3 DecemberWednesdayUAE National Daymulti-day holiday

2027

DateDayHolidayNotes
1 JanuaryFridayNew Year's Day
9 March – 11 MarchTuesdayEid al-Fitrmulti-day holiday · estimated date
15 MaySaturdayArafat Dayestimated date
16 May – 18 MaySundayEid al-Adhamulti-day holiday · estimated date
6 JuneSundayIslamic New Yearestimated date
14 AugustSaturdayMawlidestimated date
2 December – 3 DecemberThursdayUAE National Daymulti-day holiday

Which periods affect travel most?

Ramadan

Normal private-sector working time is reduced by two hours a day. Offices, attractions and restaurants publish their own hours, while much activity shifts into the evening.

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

Multi-day breaks increase demand for hotels, flights, attractions and journeys between emirates. Islamic dates are confirmed according to moon sighting.

National Day: 2–3 December

The two days off bring events, decorations and heavy activity in city centres. Allow for crowds, special timetables and possible traffic changes.

Shops, transport and attractions

  • During Ramadan, public offices and local services work shorter hours and some activity shifts into the evening.
  • Hotels and major visitor attractions often operate, sometimes with reduced hours or advance booking.
  • Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours.

Local customs and etiquette

During Ramadan be considerate towards people who are fasting and check the rules of each venue. Modest dress is expected in mosques and more traditional settings; hotels and attractions may follow different hours from offices.

How to plan your trip

  1. Before departure, recheck the official confirmation of movable Islamic dates.
  2. Reserve accommodation and key journeys earlier than usual.
  3. Two or three days before a visit, check the official hours of the attraction or operator.

Combine the calendar with the weather

Check the 14-day forecast, monthly climate and best time to visit United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates weather

MarchMayDecember

Sources and data coverage

Fixed days off and official rules cover 2026 and 2027. Islamic dates without a separate announcement are estimates because UAE holidays depend on moon sighting. Calendar data checked: 13 July 2026.

Travel-advice sources

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Frequently asked questions

Is it worth visiting United Arab Emirates during public holidays?
It is worth visiting for the events and local atmosphere if you accept crowds and early reservations.
Do shops and public transport operate on holidays in United Arab Emirates?
During Ramadan, public offices and local services work shorter hours and some activity shifts into the evening. Hotels and major visitor attractions often operate, sometimes with reduced hours or advance booking. Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours.
Can religious holiday dates change?
Yes. Dates based on a lunar calendar may be confirmed or adjusted by the relevant authorities. We label such entries as estimates and recommend checking again before departure.