UAE residents could enjoy multiple long weekends in 2027, with a possible six-day break during Eid Al Fitr in March. The expected public holiday calendar also includes New Year’s Day, Eid Al Adha, the Islamic New Year, Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday and Eid Al Etihad. These dates will help employees, families and travellers plan their annual leave, although Islamic holidays remain subject to official moon-sighting announcements.
- Location: United Arab Emirates
- Authority: UAE Government and Cabinet
- Status: Expected 2027 holiday dates, not a final official calendar
- Who is affected: Public and private sector employees, families and travellers
- Planning impact: Opportunities to combine annual leave with public holidays
- What’s next: Official confirmation of Islamic holiday dates following moon sightings
UAE holidays in 2027 could give residents several opportunities to enjoy longer breaks, with a possible six-day Eid Al Fitr holiday emerging as one of the biggest highlights. The expected calendar also includes a four-day Eid Al Adha break in May and a four-day Eid Al Etihad weekend in December.
The UAE Cabinet has established the country’s public holiday framework under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024. However, the government has not yet confirmed every holiday date for 2027.
While Gregorian dates such as New Year’s Day and Eid Al Etihad are fixed, Islamic occasions follow the Hijri calendar. Their dates depend on crescent moon sightings and may change.
UAE Public Holidays 2027: Expected Dates
Here is a look at the public holidays UAE residents can expect in 2027, based on current calendar projections.
| Public holiday | Expected date | Potential break |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, Friday | 3 days |
| Eid Al Fitr | March 9–11 or March 9–12 | Up to 6 days |
| Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha | May 15–18 | 4 days |
| Hijri New Year | June 6, Sunday | Falls on weekend |
| Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday | August 14, Saturday | Falls on weekend |
| Eid Al Etihad | December 2–3 | 4 days |
All Islamic holiday dates are provisional and subject to official announcements.
Could UAE Residents Get a Six-Day Eid Al Fitr Break?
Eid Al Fitr could bring the longest public holiday break of the first half of 2027.
Astronomical calculations suggest Ramadan could begin on February 8, 2027. Depending on the crescent moon sighting, the fasting month may last either 29 or 30 days.
If Ramadan lasts 29 days, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Tuesday, March 9, with the public holiday continuing until Thursday, March 11.
However, if Ramadan completes 30 days, March 9 will also become an additional public holiday. The Eid break would then run from Tuesday, March 9, to Friday, March 12.
With Saturday and Sunday following, residents could enjoy six consecutive days off, from March 9 to March 14.
Those planning an overseas trip could also consider taking Monday, March 8, as annual leave. This could extend the break to nine days, from March 6 to March 14, if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
Eid Al Adha Could Bring Another Four-Day Break In May
The next major holiday period is expected in May, when residents observe Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha.
Based on current astronomical projections, the dates could fall as follows:
- May 15, Saturday: Arafah Day
- May 16, Sunday: First day of Eid Al Adha
- May 17, Monday: Second day of Eid Al Adha
- May 18, Tuesday: Third day of Eid Al Adha
This would give residents four consecutive days off.
Employees looking for a longer holiday could consider applying for annual leave on May 19, 20 and 21. Combined with the public holidays and the following weekend, this could create a nine-day break from May 15 to May 23.
The final dates will depend on the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon.
Other UAE Public Holidays To Expect In 2027
Apart from the major Eid holidays, residents will have several other occasions to look forward to.
New Year’s Day: January 1
The year will begin with a public holiday on Friday, January 1. With Saturday and Sunday following, residents can enjoy a three-day weekend. Monday, January 4, will be the first working day of 2027.
Hijri New Year: June 6
The Islamic New Year is expected to fall on Sunday, June 6, marking the beginning of Muharram. As the expected date coincides with the weekend, residents should not assume an additional weekday off.
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday: August 14
The Prophet’s Birthday, also known as Mawlid Al Nabawi, is expected to fall on Saturday, August 14. The date follows the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal and remains subject to moon sighting.
Eid Al Etihad: December 2 and 3
The UAE will celebrate its 56th Eid Al Etihad in 2027 with a two-day public holiday on Thursday and Friday, December 2 and 3.
With the weekend immediately following, residents can expect four consecutive days off. Taking Wednesday, December 1, as annual leave could extend this to five days.
Can UAE Public Holidays Be Moved To Create Longer Weekends?
Yes. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the UAE Cabinet can move most public holidays to the beginning or end of a week to create longer breaks.
However, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are excluded from this transfer provision.
The resolution also states that a public holiday cannot be moved if it coincides with another public holiday or falls on an official weekend.
This means residents should wait for official announcements rather than assume that a Saturday or Sunday holiday will automatically result in a replacement day off.
Can Employers Ask Staff To Work During Public Holidays?
UAE private-sector employees are entitled to paid leave on official public holidays. However, employers can require employees to work when business operations need it.
Under Article 28(2) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employees who work during public holidays must receive either a compensatory day off or their normal wage for that day, along with an additional payment of at least 50% of their basic salary.
This provision helps protect employee entitlements while allowing businesses to maintain essential operations during public holidays.
Why It Matters For UAE Residents?
Knowing the expected UAE holidays for 2027 can help employees plan annual leave, while families can start preparing for school breaks and travel arrangements.
The potential six-day Eid Al Fitr break and four-day Eid Al Adha holiday could be particularly useful for residents planning international trips.
Hotels, airlines and travel companies may also see increased demand around these periods. Booking flights and accommodation early could help travellers secure suitable options, although final plans should account for official holiday announcements.
For employees, checking leave policies and securing approvals in advance will make it easier to combine annual leave with public holidays.
FAQs About UAE Holidays 2027
1. Will UAE residents get a six-day Eid Al Fitr holiday in 2027?
Possibly. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the additional holiday on March 9, followed by Eid Al Fitr and the weekend, could give residents six consecutive days off.
2. When is Eid Al Adha 2027 in the UAE?
Eid Al Adha is expected from May 16 to 18, with Arafah Day falling on May 15. The dates are subject to moon sighting.
3. How many public holidays will the UAE have in 2027?
The UAE’s public holiday framework covers seven categories of occasions. The total number of days off depends on the length of Ramadan and the final Islamic holiday dates.
4. Will UAE residents get a four-day weekend for National Day 2027?
Yes, Eid Al Etihad falls on December 2 and 3, a Thursday and Friday. With the Saturday-Sunday weekend following, residents can expect four consecutive days off.
5. Can UAE public holidays be transferred if they fall on weekends?
No. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, public holidays falling on official weekends cannot be transferred to another day.
Planning For 2027
The expected UAE holiday calendar offers several opportunities for residents to plan family time, short breaks and overseas travel. Eid Al Fitr could bring the longest break in March, while May and December also offer opportunities for extended holidays.
However, Islamic holiday dates are not final until the relevant authorities announce them following moon sightings. Residents should keep an eye on official UAE government updates before confirming travel plans.
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