Pro Tip: Book UAE National Day travel (Dec 2–3) at least 3 months in advance. It is the most popular holiday weekend for UAE residents to travel, and flights to Maldives, Bali, and short-haul destinations sell out months ahead at peak prices.
School Holidays in UAE 2026 — Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Dubai Private Schools (Sep Academic Year)
- Winter break: Approximately 20 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
- Spring break: Approximately 16–29 March 2026 (aligns with Eid Al Fitr)
- Summer break: Approximately 19 June – late August 2026
Ministry of Education (MOE) Curriculum Schools
- Mid-year break: Approximately 2–4 weeks in January 2026
- Spring break: Approximately 16–29 March 2026
- Summer break: June to September 2026
Note: School holiday dates are set by KHDA (Dubai) and ADEK (Abu Dhabi) and may vary slightly by school. Always confirm with your child’s specific school for exact dates.
Ramadan Working Hours — Quick Reference
During Ramadan (18 February – approximately 18 March 2026), all employees in the UAE receive a mandatory 2-hour daily reduction in working hours under UAE Labour Law. This applies regardless of religion.
- Private sector: Typically 6-hour working days
- Government sector: Typically 6-hour working days with earlier close
- Retail & hospitality: Many businesses extend evening hours to accommodate Iftar and Suhoor trade
UAE Vs. Rest of the World — Weekend Structure
Since January 2022, the UAE federal government work week runs Saturday to Wednesday, with Friday and Saturday as the official weekend. This aligns the UAE more closely with global markets (particularly Western markets open Monday to Friday) while preserving Friday as the Islamic holy day.
- Federal government & many large companies: Weekend = Friday + Saturday
- Some private sector businesses: Still operate Saturday to Thursday (Friday + Saturday or Friday-only weekend) — varies by company
- Implications for expats: If your employer follows the new work week, you share weekend overlap with European and North American business contacts on Fridays
How UAE Handles Holidays Falling on Weekends
When a public holiday falls on a Friday (weekend), the UAE government typically announces a substitute day off — usually Thursday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, Monday is often the substitute. These decisions are announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) approximately 1–2 weeks before the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does UAE have in 2026?
The UAE has approximately 14–16 days of official public holidays in 2026, including both fixed national holidays and Islamic holidays. The total can vary by 1–2 days depending on moon sighting for Islamic dates.
Is Friday a working day in UAE?
It depends on your employer. Since the government work week change in January 2022, Friday is officially part of the weekend for federal government employees and many private companies. However, many private sector businesses — particularly retail, hospitality, and smaller companies — still operate on Fridays.
When is Eid 2026 in UAE?
Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected around 19–20 March 2026 (end of Ramadan). Eid Al Adha 2026 is expected around 27–29 June 2026. Both dates are subject to official moon sighting confirmation.
Do expats get UAE public holidays off?
Yes. All employees working in the UAE — regardless of nationality or religion — are entitled to UAE public holidays as per UAE Labour Law. Check your employment contract; some companies compensate with additional annual leave instead of statutory holidays.
Are shops and malls open on UAE public holidays?
Most malls and retail outlets remain open on public holidays. Government offices, banks, and many corporate offices are closed. Restaurants, supermarkets, and leisure venues typically stay open with adjusted hours on major holidays.