Eid Al Etihad holiday: Dubai and UAE dates confirmed for 2026
The Eid Al Etihad holiday will give UAE federal employees a five-day break beginning December 2, 2026, while private sector staff have December 2 and 3 confirmed as holidays. The announcement covers the UAE, including Dubai, as the country prepares to celebrate its 55th anniversary.
According to What's On Dubai, the federal holiday dates were announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, with private sector dates confirmed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Key facts
Occasion: The UAE’s 55th Eid Al Etihad
Where: Across the UAE, including Dubai
Federal holiday: December 2, 3 and 4, 2026, followed by the weekend
Federal work resumes: Monday, December 7, 2026
Private sector holiday: December 2 and 3, 2026
Next public holiday: January 1, 2027, for New Year’s Day
Who gets the five-day break?
Federal government employees receive three holiday weekdays, which combine with the following weekend to make five consecutive days off. Their break begins on Wednesday, December 2, and official duties restart on Monday, December 7.
Private sector employees have a shorter confirmed holiday: Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3. The announcement does not give private sector staff the additional Friday holiday granted to federal employees.
That distinction matters when arranging a visit with friends or family who work in Dubai. Use the dates that apply to their employment sector when agreeing on shared plans.
What does Eid Al Etihad celebrate?
Eid Al Etihad commemorates the UAE’s formation in 1971, with 2026 marking its 55th anniversary. The occasion falls annually on December 2 and was formerly called UAE National Day or Union Day.
The original union brought together six emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. Ras Al Khaimah became part of the federation on February 10, 1972, bringing the total to seven.
The celebration recognises national unity, heritage and achievements. For background when planning a culturally focused visit, explore the guide to Emirati heritage and traditional crafts.
Are there more public holidays after this?
Eid Al Etihad is the last public holiday scheduled for 2026. New Year’s Day follows as the next public holiday, with January 1, 2027, landing on a Friday. Together with the weekend, it provides a three-day break.
For travellers comparing a December visit with a New Year trip, these are separate holiday periods. The five-day December break applies to federal employees; it should not be treated as a universal schedule for everyone working in the UAE.
What does this mean for visitors?
Visitors can use the confirmed dates to coordinate their trip, but the announcement does not provide a programme of celebrations, admission prices or transport arrangements.
For sightseeing plans, you can review the Dubai Iconic Places Tour and browse places to visit in Dubai. Check your chosen attraction or tour’s arrangements separately before booking around the holiday.
For Eid Al Etihad celebrations themselves, check the specific venue, date, entry conditions and travel information once an event announcement is available.
Details can change; check the official announcement before you travel.
Prepared by Yasin Toktaş with AI assistance for drafting, corrections and proofreading.