With 2026 slowly coming into focus, residents across the UAE are already looking to lock in their travel plans, school schedules, and personal time off. Thanks to astronomical predictions released by leading moon-sighting experts, we now have early guidance on when the major UAE public holidays will likely fall next year.
From Eid Al Fitr to Eid Al Adha, and even the Islamic New Year, the forecast offers clarity—especially for those who like to make the most of extended weekends.
Predicted Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr Dates in 2026
Ramadan is expected to begin on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, and will likely run for 29 days. This puts the final day of fasting on Thursday, 19 March 2026.
According to current projections, Eid Al Fitr—the festival marking the end of Ramadan—should begin on Friday, 20 March 2026. Under the UAE’s public holiday laws, the first three days of Shawwal are granted as national holidays. Since Ramadan is likely to be a 29-day month, residents can expect a three-day weekend starting on Friday and ending on Sunday.
This early prediction helps families and working professionals alike plan their time off, especially as flights and hotels tend to book up quickly around this period.
Six-Day Weekend Forecast for Eid Al Adha
The month of Dhu Al Hijjah, which hosts the second of the two major Islamic festivals, is projected to begin on Monday, 18 May 2026.
This places Arafat Day on Tuesday, 26 May, followed by Eid Al Adha celebrations from Wednesday, 27 May to Friday, 29 May 2026. Combined with the weekend, residents can look forward to a generous six-day break.
Eid Al Adha is often a time when UAE residents travel or gather for large family celebrations, making early visibility into dates especially useful.
Islamic New Year Falls Mid-June
With Dhu Al Hijjah expected to run for 29 days, the Islamic New Year—marking the start of Muharram 1448 AH—is forecast to begin on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
This midweek holiday offers a break or a chance to extend into a four-day weekend with annual leave.
Gregorian New Year Starts with a Friday Off
The first public holiday of 2026 will be New Year’s Day on Thursday, 1 January 2026. As this falls just before the weekend, it offers a natural opportunity to enjoy a long break at the very start of the year.
Whether traveling or staying in the UAE, this alignment offers a relaxed start to the year.
Summary of Key Predicted Public Holiday Dates for 2026
| Occasion | Likely Date(s) | Potential Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, 1 January 2026 | 1 day (plus weekend) |
| Ramadan Begins | Wednesday, 18 February 2026 | Month-long observance |
| Eid Al Fitr | Friday, 20 March 2026 | 3-day weekend |
| Arafat Day | Tuesday, 26 May 2026 | Part of 6-day holiday |
| Eid Al Adha | Wednesday–Friday, 27–29 May | 6-day holiday with weekend |
| Islamic New Year | Tuesday, 16 June 2026 | 1-day midweek break |
Plan Ahead, Stay Ahead
Final moon sightings will determine UAE authorities’ confirmation, but these predictions help employers, parents, and travelers plan ahead.
With so many opportunities for extended breaks, 2026 looks to be a rewarding year for UAE residents ready to take advantage of early planning.
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Stay ahead of the curve. For the latest updates on official UAE public holidays, events, and lifestyle tips, follow Social Kandura and keep your calendar in check.
