The United Arab Emirates has introduced a significant shift in its public holiday system, allowing selected holidays to be moved from midweek to the beginning or end of the week, resulting in extended weekends for residents.
For the first time, this new mechanism was used to transfer the Eid Al Etihad (National Day) holiday in December, enabling a four-day weekend instead of just two.
Initially scheduled for December 2 and 3, which fell on a Tuesday and Wednesday, the National Day holidays were rescheduled to December 1 and 2. This shift allowed residents—particularly those observing the Saturday–Sunday weekend—to enjoy an uninterrupted break from November 29 to December 2
. The move signaled the first application of a law introduced at the beginning of 2025, which allows the UAE Cabinet to adjust public holidays for the benefit of its citizens and expatriate residents.
The new legislation is set to have a greater impact in 2026, a year that includes seven religious, national, and general public holidays. Based on astronomical projections, residents can expect at least two long weekends and potentially a six-day break for Eid Al Adha.
The year will begin with a public holiday on Thursday, January 1, 2026, marking New Year’s Day. This holiday could be transferred to Friday, January 2, pending a Cabinet decision, resulting in a three-day weekend.
Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall from Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 22, offering a three-day weekend. However, this holiday cannot be moved due to its religious significance and dependence on moon sighting.
The most anticipated break in 2026 is likely during Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, estimated for May 26 to 29. If the Islamic calendar aligns as expected, the Tuesday-to-Friday holiday will combine with the weekend to provide a six-day break.
Other Islamic holidays like the Hijri New Year (likely on Tuesday, June 16) and the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (likely on Tuesday, August 25) could also be transferred to create longer weekends, subject to Cabinet decisions. Both holidays are dependent on the moon sighting, like all Islamic festivals.
The National Day holiday in 2026, scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3, is also eligible for a transfer. If moved to create a Friday–Saturday holiday, residents could enjoy one more extended weekend before the year ends.
The UAE’s holiday transfer policy underscores its commitment to enhancing work-life balance, promoting tourism, and ensuring residents can enjoy meaningful downtime with friends and family. As the policy unfolds through 2026, the focus remains on creating a harmonious balance between business continuity and personal time.