The United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents could get up to eight days of public holidays before the end of 2026 under recently introduced holiday transfer rules.
According to current calendar projections, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) ’s birthday is expected to fall on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Under UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the government has the authority to shift eligible public holidays to the beginning or end of the week, potentially moving the holiday to Monday, August 24. If approved by the UAE Cabinet, the change would create a three-day weekend for both public and private sector employees.
The holiday transfer, however, is not automatic and will only take effect after an official decision by the UAE Cabinet.
The updated regulations allow the government to reschedule certain public holidays, excluding Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, to provide longer holiday breaks. The law also states that holidays cannot be transferred if they already coincide with another public holiday or fall on a weekend.
Another extended break could arrive in December during the UAE’s National Day (Eid Al Etihad) celebrations.
National Day is officially observed on December 2 and December 3 each year to commemorate the formation of the UAE in 1971. In 2026, these holidays fall on Wednesday and Thursday, and if the government declares Friday, December 4, as an additional holiday, employees would enjoy a five-day weekend when combined with the regular weekend.
If both holiday extensions are approved, workers across the UAE could receive a total of eight days of holidays before the end of the year.
The public holidays apply to employees in both the public and private sectors, with eligible workers entitled to paid leave. Under UAE labour laws, employees required to work during official public holidays must either receive an alternative day off or be paid their regular wage plus at least 50 percent of their basic daily salary if compensatory leave is not provided.
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