Dubai Will Have Four Long Weekends in 2026

Dubai is set to enjoy four long weekends in 2026, including a six-day break around Eid Al Adha in late May, according to current public holiday projections and the UAE’s updated holiday framework. A 2025 amendment to the UAE public holiday law allows certain observances to be shifted to the start or end of the week, creating extended weekends. This mechanism is expected to apply to several holidays in 2026, helping lengthen breaks for residents and employees across the country. The first major extended break is expected with Eid Al Adha. Based on current forecasts, Dhu Al Hijjah is likely to begin on Monday May 18th, placing Arafat Day on Tuesday May 26th, followed by Eid Al Adha holidays from Wednesday May 27th to Friday May 29th. Combined with the weekend, this is projected to create a six-day holiday period. Further long weekends are also anticipated later in the year. The Islamic New Year is expected to fall on Tuesday June 16th, with the public holiday likely shifted to Monday June 15th under the date-adjustment rules, resulting in a three-day weekend. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is predicted to fall on Tuesday August 25th, with the holiday expected to move to Monday August 24th, creating another three-day break. National Day will be observed on Wednesday December 2nd and Thursday December 3rd, 2026. It remains unclear whether additional days will be added to extend the holiday period, and December 2nd itself is not expected to be shifted under current regulations.