Family planning
UAE School Holidays and Public Holidays 2026
Public holidays are only one part of school planning, but they are useful for family travel and exam-season scheduling. This guide highlights UAE public holidays that families should track in 2026.
AudienceParents, students, and school staff.
Use withYour school calendar, term dates, and official announcements.
Best family windowsEid breaks and Eid Al Etihad are the strongest travel periods.
Important dates
| Holiday | Date | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1, 2026 | Confirmed | 1 day |
| Eid Al Fitr | March 19-22, 2026 | Confirmed | 4 days |
| Arafat Day | May 26, 2026 | Confirmed | 1 day |
| Eid Al Adha | May 27-29, 2026 | Confirmed | 3 days |
| Islamic New Year | June 16, 2026 | Estimated | Moon sighting |
| Prophet Birthday / Mawlid | August 25, 2026 | Estimated | Moon sighting |
| Commemoration Day | December 1, 2026 | Confirmed | 1 day |
| Eid Al Etihad / UAE National Day | December 2-3, 2026 | Confirmed | 2 days |
Frequently asked questions
Are public holidays the same as school holidays in the UAE?
No. Public holidays are national dates, while schools also follow academic calendars with term breaks.
Which 2026 UAE holidays are best for family trips?
Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and Eid Al Etihad are usually the strongest family travel windows.
Should students use the leave calculator?
Students and parents can use it to understand connected days off around public holidays and weekends.
Related guides
Note: Islamic holiday dates can shift based on official moon sighting announcements.