Check before you act. Fees, rules and dates change. Confirm the details with the official authority before you pay or apply.
At a glance
- Status
- Dates are expected, not final. Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting
- Fixed dates
- New Year's Day (1 January) and National Day (2 to 3 December)
- Longest likely break
- Eid Al Fitr could stretch to six days if the Shawwal crescent is not sighted
Expected UAE public holidays in 2027
| Holiday | Expected date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January | Friday | Fixed date |
| Eid Al Fitr | 9 to 11 March (12 March if Ramadan completes 30 days) | Tuesday to Thursday, or Friday | Moon sighting |
| Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha | 15 to 18 May | Saturday to Tuesday | Moon sighting |
| Islamic New Year | 6 June | Sunday | Moon sighting |
| Prophet Muhammad's Birthday | 14 August | Saturday | Moon sighting |
| National Day (Eid Al Etihad) | 2 to 3 December | Thursday and Friday | Fixed date |
Dates compiled from press reports in August 2026. We will update this table when the government confirms the final list.
Why the dates can change
The UAE follows the Islamic calendar for religious holidays, and the start of each month is confirmed by moon sighting. That is why Eid Al Fitr can be three or four days, and why the other Islamic dates may move by a day. Rules on shifting holidays to a Monday or a Friday can also change the final dates, so wait for the official announcement before booking non-refundable travel.
Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027. It is not a public holiday, but working hours are usually shortened.
Long weekend ideas
- New Year: 1 January falls on a Friday, which makes a three-day weekend for most employees.
- Eid Al Fitr: from 9 March, with a possible six-day break if the fourth day is added and the weekend follows.
- Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha: 15 to 18 May is Saturday to Tuesday, so a few days of leave could give an extended break.
- National Day: 2 and 3 December are a Thursday and Friday, which can run to a four-day break from 2 to 5 December.
Before you plan
- Check whether your employer follows the federal holiday list, since private-sector arrangements can differ.
- Look out for the official announcement from the UAE government.
- Choose flexible bookings for the Eid dates.
Frequently asked questions
Expected from 9 March 2027, for three days or four if Ramadan completes 30 days. The final dates depend on moon sighting.
2 and 3 December 2027, a Thursday and Friday, expected.
Not yet. They are expected dates based on press reports. Islamic holidays are confirmed by moon sighting.
No. Working hours are usually shortened during Ramadan, but it is not an official holiday.