UAE employees could enjoy nine consecutive days off around the 55th Eid Al Etihad by taking annual leave on November 30, December 1 and December 4, 2026. The arrangement applies to employees following a Saturday-Sunday weekend, combining the two scheduled National Day holidays with two weekends. It offers residents an opportunity to plan a longer year-end break without using too much of their annual leave allowance.
- Location: Across the UAE
- Organisation: UAE Government
- Public holidays: December 2 and 3, 2026
- Who is affected: Public and private sector employees
- Annual leave required: Three working days
- Extended break: November 28 to December 6, with employees returning on December 7
UAE residents can potentially get nine days off in December 2026 by using just three annual leave days around the upcoming Eid Al Etihad holidays. The UAE Government’s public holiday calendar schedules the 55th Eid Al Etihad celebrations for Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3. Employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off can extend the break by requesting November 30, December 1 and December 4 as annual leave. The arrangement creates an opportunity for families to plan holidays, travel or time away from work before the end of the year.
How employees can turn two public holidays into nine days off
The nine-day break works by connecting the two scheduled National Day holidays with the weekends before and after them.
Employees who follow a Monday-to-Friday working week can request annual leave on three dates:
- Monday, November 30
- Tuesday, December 1
- Friday, December 4
The resulting break starts on Saturday, November 28, and continues until Sunday, December 6. Employees can then return to work on Monday, December 7.
This arrangement gives workers nine consecutive days away from the office while using only three days from their annual leave balance.
However, the calculation depends on an employee’s regular working pattern. People who work on weekends, follow rotating shifts or have different weekly rest days may need to calculate their leave differently.
Do employers have to approve the three annual leave days?
Employees should check their company’s leave policy before making travel arrangements. The nine-day break is not an automatic entitlement, as annual leave dates remain subject to employer approval and operational requirements.
According to the UAE Government’s guidance on private sector annual leave, employees who complete one year of service are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave. Those who have completed more than six months but less than one year are entitled to two days for each month of service.
The rules also allow employers to set annual leave dates according to business requirements, in agreement with employees. Employers must notify staff of scheduled leave dates at least one month in advance.
This means employees planning the December break should submit their requests early, particularly if several colleagues want the same dates.
The arrangements for federal and local government employees are governed by their respective human resources policies, so public sector workers should also check their department’s leave procedures.
Can the UAE Cabinet change the December public holiday dates?
The UAE’s public holiday framework allows the Cabinet to transfer certain holidays to the beginning or end of a working week through an official decision.
Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 sets out the national public holiday schedule for public and private sector employees. It lists National Day as a two-day holiday on December 2 and 3.
The resolution excludes religious Eid holidays from its general transfer provision. National Day is a separate category, meaning the Cabinet can transfer it through a specific decision.
As of November 13, the scheduled National Day dates remain December 2 and 3. Employees planning flights, hotel stays or other travel around the nine-day break should check for any subsequent government announcement before confirming their arrangements.
What happens if employees work during Eid Al Etihad?
Some businesses cannot close for the National Day holidays. Retail outlets, hotels, restaurants, airports, transport companies and other essential services may continue operating during the celebrations.
UAE labour legislation provides compensation for private sector employees who are required to work on official public holidays.
Under Article 28 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employers must provide either another day of rest for each holiday worked or payment for that day, along with an additional amount of at least 50% of the employee’s basic daily wage.
The provision helps protect employees who continue working while others take time off. Staff in sectors that operate throughout public holidays should check their shift schedules and compensation arrangements with their employers.
UAE prepares for the 55th Eid Al Etihad celebrations
The upcoming break also coincides with preparations for the UAE’s 55th Eid Al Etihad. The national occasion marks the unification of the seven emirates in 1971 and is celebrated every year on December 2.
On October 8, the 55th Eid Al Etihad Team launched a 55-day countdown and introduced the visual identity for the 2026 celebrations. This year’s occasion takes place during the UAE’s Year of Family, with the campaign highlighting the role of families and communities in shaping the country’s identity.
More recently, the team announced an initiative called ‘Our Celebration, Made Together’ on November 10. Under the theme ‘Belonging in Unity’, the digital experience invites people who call the UAE home to create virtual houses inspired by Emirati architecture. Participants can personalise these spaces with drawings, voice messages, illustrations and personal memories.
Dubai is also marking National Month from November 3 to December 2. Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, is coordinating activities with government, semi-government and private sector organisations across the emirate.
These preparations give residents several opportunities to take part in the national celebrations before and during the December holidays.
The nine-day holiday option gives UAE employees an opportunity to plan a longer break without using a large part of their annual leave allowance. Families can use the time for domestic trips, international travel or celebrations at home.
It may also create additional demand for flights, hotels, restaurants and leisure attractions around the National Day period. Businesses in these sectors can prepare for increased customer activity while arranging staff coverage for the public holidays.
For employees, the next step is to check their work schedules, request the three annual leave dates and wait for approval before confirming travel plans.
FAQs
1. When is the UAE Eid Al Etihad holiday in 2026?
The UAE’s 55th Eid Al Etihad public holidays are scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3, 2026. The two-day holiday applies to public and private sector employees.
2. How can UAE employees get nine days off in December 2026?
Employees following a Saturday-Sunday weekend can request annual leave for November 30, December 1 and December 4. Combined with the two public holidays and two weekends, this creates nine consecutive days off.
3. Do employees need to use annual leave for all nine days?
No. Employees only need to use three annual leave days under this arrangement. The remaining six days consist of the two weekends and two official public holidays.
4. Can employers reject annual leave requests for December 2026?
Yes. Annual leave dates are subject to employer approval and operational requirements. Employees should request their preferred dates early and confirm approval before making travel bookings.
5. What if an employee has to work during Eid Al Etihad?
Private sector employees required to work on an official public holiday are entitled to another rest day or payment for that day, plus an additional amount of at least 50% of their basic daily wage.
A longer December break for UAE employees
With Eid Al Etihad falling on December 2 and 3, employees have an opportunity to plan a nine-day break using just three annual leave days. However, the arrangement depends on individual work schedules, employer approval and the final government holiday calendar.
Residents planning year-end travel should confirm their leave dates before booking flights or accommodation.
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