UAE extends summer and winter holidays
UAE extends summer and winter holidays with a three-day break in August and a potential five-day National Day celebration. Plan your travel now.
The United Arab Emirates will observe a three-day weekend in August to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, with a possible five-day break later in the year for National Day.
Officials confirmed the holiday for the Prophet’s birthday will fall on Friday, August 28, though the religious observance itself occurs on Tuesday, August 25. Under public holiday regulations, the government may adjust the date to create a longer break.
August holiday shift creates three-day break
The change ensures workers receive an extended break at the end of August. This practice is common in the UAE, where holidays are frequently aligned with weekends to maximize rest periods.
Both private and public sector employees receive paid leave on recognized public holidays. If employers require staff to work during these times, they must offer either an alternative day off or extra pay—typically the employee’s regular wage plus at least half their basic daily rate.
December may bring a five-day National Day holiday
The August break might not be the only extended holiday this year. National Day, which commemorates the UAE’s formation in 1971, is officially observed on December 2 and 3. In 2026, those dates land on a Wednesday and Thursday.
Authorities could include Friday, December 4, creating a five-day weekend. Combined with the August break, employees would receive eight days off before the year concludes. The decision would apply to federal agencies and private companies alike.
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This method has been used before. The UAE often adjusts holiday schedules to align with weekends, allowing workers longer breaks without affecting productivity. It helps balance religious and national celebrations with work demands.
Though the government has not yet finalized the December extension, the potential change reflects the country’s flexible approach to holiday planning. If approved, it would become one of the longest breaks of the year for workers in all sectors.
National Day, also called Eid Al Etihad, is usually marked by fireworks, parades, and cultural activities. A longer holiday would provide more opportunities for travel and family time, which is especially valued in a country where expatriates form a large part of the workforce.
Labor laws in the UAE guarantee paid leave for public holidays to all eligible employees, regardless of nationality. Businesses that require staff to work during these periods must follow compensation rules or provide substitute days off.
Workers are now awaiting official confirmation on the December holiday extension. If granted, it would complete a year that already includes an uncommon three-day weekend in late summer.
