UAE Public Holidays Calendar

The UAE has approximately 14-15 paid public holiday days per year. This includes fixed holidays (New Year's Day, Commemoration Day, National Day) and Islamic holidays (Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, Isra'a Wal Mi'raj). Private sector employees are entitled to all public holidays with full pay.

No. Fixed holidays (New Year's, Commemoration Day, National Day) have the same date each year. Islamic holidays follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar and shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each Gregorian year. Exact dates for Islamic holidays are confirmed by moon sighting, often just days before the holiday.

If a public holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), employees are typically entitled to a compensatory day off. This is at the employer's discretion in the private sector, though many companies follow government guidance. Federal government employees always receive a substitute day.

Yes, all employees in the UAE are entitled to full pay on public holidays. If you are required to work on a public holiday, you are entitled to a substitute day off plus 50% of your daily wage, or you may receive 150% of your daily wage without a substitute day (as per UAE Labour Law Article 28).

Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around February 18, 2026 and end around March 19, 2026 (subject to moon sighting). During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day for all employees. Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, typically provides 3-4 days off.

Commemoration Day (formerly Martyrs' Day) is observed on November 30 each year. It honours UAE citizens who sacrificed their lives in service to the country, particularly military personnel. Government buildings lower their flags, and a minute of silence is observed at 11:30 AM.

Your employer cannot deny you your public holiday entitlement. However, some roles in essential services (healthcare, hospitality, retail) may require working on holidays. In such cases, you must receive either a compensatory day off or additional pay as per UAE Labour Law.

Yes, free zone companies in the UAE generally follow the same public holiday calendar as mainland companies. The UAE Cabinet announces official holidays, and all sectors — government, private, and free zones — are expected to comply.

Check which day of the week public holidays fall on. If a holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, taking one annual leave day can create a 4-day weekend. Eid Al Fitr (3-4 days) and Eid Al Adha (3 days) offer the best opportunities for extended breaks. Plan and book flights early as prices spike around UAE holidays.

No, the UAE does not have emirate-specific public holidays. All seven emirates follow the same federal holiday calendar announced by the UAE Cabinet. However, some companies may offer additional company-specific days off.