Residents of the United Arab Emirates still have two public holidays to look forward to before the end of 2026, with both carrying the possibility of extended weekends under the country's holiday rules. The upcoming breaks are for the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and Eid Al Etihad, the UAE's National Day celebration. Depending on how the holidays fall and government decisions, employees could enjoy additional days off.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday Holiday: Expected Dates
The first remaining public holiday is for the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, observed on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar, according to Khaleej Times. Because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar sightings, the exact date will depend on the moon sighting scheduled around August 14. The holiday is expected to fall on either Tuesday, August 25, or Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Under UAE public holiday regulations, certain holidays may be moved to the beginning or end of the working week if they fall on a weekday. This means residents could receive a long weekend, subject to an official government announcement. The UAE government typically confirms holiday dates closer to the time, so workers are advised to monitor official channels for updates.
Eid Al Etihad 2026: National Day Break
The second remaining public holiday is Eid Al Etihad, formerly known as National Day, which commemorates the founding of the UAE. The country is expected to mark its 55th Eid Al Etihad on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. Authorities may also adjust the holiday to create a longer weekend. If that happens, residents could enjoy a three-day break from Friday, December 4, to Sunday, December 6.
The UAE government is expected to confirm the final holiday dates closer to the celebrations through official announcements. This follows a pattern observed in previous years, where the government has adjusted public holidays to maximize long weekends, boosting domestic tourism and family time.
Context: Saudi Arabia's Eid Al Fitr Holiday
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that authorities in Saudi Arabia have announced the official Eid Al Fitr holiday for workers in the private and non-profit sectors. The break will begin at the end of the working day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This announcement underscores the regional approach to Islamic holidays, where lunar sightings and government decrees determine exact dates.
For UAE residents, the two upcoming holidays provide opportunities for rest and celebration. The Prophet Muhammad's birthday is a time for religious reflection and community gatherings, while Eid Al Etihad celebrates the nation's unity and heritage. Both holidays are significant in the Islamic and national calendars, and the potential for extended weekends adds to their appeal.
As the dates approach, the UAE government will issue official directives on the exact holiday schedule. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, keeping in mind that adjustments may be made to align with the lunar calendar and to create long weekends. The confirmation of these dates will be widely covered by local media, including Khaleej Times and Legit.ng.
