The UAE has officially announced its public holidays for 2026, giving residents early clarity on when to expect days off throughout the year. The confirmed list covers both fixed-date national holidays and Islamic holidays, which remain subject to moon sighting.
For Filipinos living and working in the UAE, the announcement offers a valuable chance to plan ahead. Public holidays affect work schedules, leave applications, travel plans, and even flight prices, making early awareness especially important for overseas workers.
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Official UAE Public Holidays for 2026
The confirmed list includes the following nationwide holidays:
New Year’s Day
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Date: 1 January 2026
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Duration: 1 day
Eid Al Fitr
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Date: From 01 to 03 Shawwal 1447 AH
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Expected Duration: 3 days
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Note: Dates will be confirmed by moon sighting
Arafat Day
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Date: 09 Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH
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Duration: 1 day
Eid Al Adha
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Date: From 10 to 12 Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH
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Duration: 3 days
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Note: Dates subject to moon sighting
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
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Date: 1 Muharram 1448 AH
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Duration: 1 day
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
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Date: 12 Rabi’ Al Awal 1448 AH
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Duration: 1 day
Commemoration Day
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Date: 1 December 2026
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Duration: 1 day
UAE National Day
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Date: From 2 to 3 December 2026
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Duration: 2 days
While New Year’s Day, Commemoration Day, and National Day follow fixed dates, Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting and may be officially confirmed closer to the time.
These holidays apply to both the public and private sectors, although actual days off may vary depending on company policy and industry.
Why This Matters for Filipinos in the UAE
Many Filipinos work in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, retail, construction, and domestic services, where public holidays do not always mean a full day off. However, holidays often come with adjusted work hours, overtime pay, or compensatory rest days.
Knowing the holiday calendar early allows OFWs to:
- Plan leave requests ahead of time
- Coordinate rest days with family or friends
- Avoid peak travel dates when flying home
- Budget better for travel and daily expenses
Even those who remain on duty during holidays benefit from knowing when schedules or workloads may change.
Long Weekends and Leave Planning
Some 2026 holidays may fall close to weekends, creating possible long weekends depending on final confirmations. These periods usually see higher travel demand, especially for flights to the Philippines and nearby countries.
Filipinos planning vacations or home visits are advised to:
- Monitor official confirmations for Islamic holidays
- Apply for leave early
- Book flights in advance to avoid higher fares
What to Expect at Work
Public holiday observance can differ by employer. Some offices may close, while others operate on reduced staffing or adjusted hours. Employees are encouraged to check company guidelines and clarify policies on holiday pay or compensatory leave.
However, those who will be working during holidays should be aware that you should get proper holiday pay (normally double-pay) when you work during these dates.
Easy-Visa Travel Destinations Outside UAE with Less than 5 Hours Travel Time
In case you are wondering what are the nearest countries that have less than 5 hours of travel time and visa-processing is quite relaxed, easy, and sometimes visa-free, you can definitely travel to these destinations for a quick vacation and maximize the holidays.
12 Visa Free and Easy Visa Processing Countries to Travel for Pinoys in UAE (Under 5 hours):
It is always good to be prepared for next holiday dates. And by keeping the above dates in mind, we can actually start making travel plans — and setting vacation leaves — as early as today!
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