Residents of the United Arab Emirates can expect up to thirteen paid public holidays per year, providing employees with opportunities for rest, staying local, or spending more time with family. When planning a vacation, it is important to distinguish between public holidays and annual leave.
Private sector employees who have completed one year are typically entitled to 30 days of fully paid annual leave. Additionally, they receive paid leave on public holidays observed in the country. However, the UAE Government specifies that a public holiday falling during the annual leave period counts as part of that leave, unless the employment contract or company policy provides more favorable terms for the employee.
This makes planning critical. A public holiday can still be a valuable break if it falls on a weekend or if the employee takes a short period of days from their annual leave around it. Nevertheless, employees should clarify their employer's policy before assuming that a holiday within booked leave will add another day to their balance.
The number of days the holy month lasts can influence the total number of holidays available to residents. Here is how this happens:
If Ramadan concludes with 30 days, residents may receive up to 13 days of leave. According to the UAE public holidays decree, the calendar includes one day for the Gregorian New Year, three days for Eid al-Fitr, and also the 30th day of Ramadan if the fasting month lasts 30 days, one day for Arafa, three days for Eid al-Adha, one Hijri day, and one Prophet Muhammad's birthday, as well as two days for Eid Al Ittihad, formerly known as National Day.
Meanwhile, in a year when Ramadan lasts 29 days, the total number of public holidays is 12 days. When it reaches 30 days, the extra Ramadan day increases the total to 13. The exact timing of Hijri events is confirmed by official moon sighting.
A report by Khaleej Times describes how the 2027 calendar may offer residents several extended breaks. The New Year is projected to fall on Friday, January 1st, creating a three-day weekend. Eid al-Fitr is expected in early Tuesday, March 9th. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, residents will have three public holidays until Thursday, March 11th. If it lasts 30 days, Friday, March 12th, will be added, which, combined with the weekend, could create a six-day break.
The report also forecasts a four-day break for Arafa and Eid al-Adha from Saturday, May 15th, to Tuesday, May 18th, subject to moon sighting. In December, the two-day Eid Al Ittihad holiday is expected on Thursday, December 2nd, and Friday, December 3rd, extending the weekend to four days.
The Cabinet can move public holidays not related to Eid to the beginning or end of the week through a separate decree. Eid holidays are excluded from this rescheduling rule, and a public holiday coinciding with another holiday or falling on a weekend cannot be moved.
For some residents, the promise of long weekends does not automatically mean traveling abroad. Mona noted that she values free time regardless of whether she leaves the UAE or stays in the city. Mona stated: 'Sometimes I travel during extended weekends, and sometimes I stay in the city. It doesn't matter to me.'
For Shahd Mardini, the duration of the break determines the plan. A longer window might justify a short trip, while a couple of days is better suited for relaxing at home and time with loved ones. She added: 'When public holidays extend into the weekend, I usually prefer to travel if I have enough days to make it worthwhile. It's a great opportunity to take a short trip and explore something new.' She also emphasized: 'If it's only a couple of days, I usually opt for staying home, relaxing, and spending quality time with family and friends. It really depends on how long the holiday is and what my plans are.'
For residents, the 2027 forecasts serve as early guidance, not a final schedule. Since the dates of Islamic holidays are still determined by moon sighting and official announcements, employees are advised to wait for official notifications before applying for leave or booking non-refundable trips.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced that Friday, August 28, 2026, will be an official public holiday for all departments, institutions, and government bodies in Dubai.
Official work will resume on Monday, August 31. Since Saturday and Sunday are the standard days off for most civil servants, this Friday off will provide eligible employees with a three-day break.
However, this holiday does not apply to employees working on shift schedules, as well as those whose duties involve serving the public or managing public service facilities.
DGHR specified that each government entity will independently determine the working hours for these categories based on its operational needs. These measures aim to ensure the uninterrupted and efficient provision of government services throughout the holiday period.
On the occasion of this event, the Human Resources Department sent greetings and best wishes to the leadership, citizens, and residents of the UAE, wishing the country continued stability, prosperity, and security.
Thanks to the announcement of Friday, August 28th, as a public and private holiday in observance of the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (peace be upon him and blessings of God), residents of the UAE will have a three-day break until August 30th without using annual leave.
Residents can spend these three days by taking a short international trip, crossing the border into Oman, or simply organizing a staycation within the UAE.
Travel websites such as Musafir.com, Holiday Factory, and Travelwings offer short international tours to countries like Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Thailand.
According to Khaleej Times, three-night packages cost from approximately 1,200 to 3,000 dirhams per person, depending on the chosen destination, hotel, and included services. Georgia, Baku, and Armenia are options for those planning to fly in and out before work resumes.
Those willing to take additional leave have more options. For example, a package to Montenegro is available from August 26th to 31st, which would require extending the three-day weekend.
Georgia is gaining popularity among travelers from Gulf countries. According to the National Tourism Administration of Georgia, the country welcomed 145,513 visitors from GCC markets in 2025, a 3.4% increase from the previous year. Due to the approximately four-hour flight time from major Gulf cities, simpler entry options, and a combination of urban, mountain, and natural experiences, Georgia has become a popular destination for a short getaway. Furthermore, Tbilisi was recently added to the list of global trend destinations for 2026.
Salalah in southern Oman presents another option for UAE families who prefer long road trips. Using an approximate distance of about 1,200 km one way from Dubai, the entire route would be between 2,400 and 2,500 km. A family car with an average consumption of 10–12 km per liter would require approximately 200–250 liters of gasoline for the return journey. Depending on the car and refueling stops, families can budget between 600 and 850 dirhams for fuel.
Hotels can cost approximately 200 to 550 dirhams per night, based on analyzed options. Adding two nights of accommodation, food, border crossing expenses, insurance, and entertainment could lead a family of four to spend between 3,000 and 4,500 dirhams on the trip. Families can spend time visiting the Harif attractions in Salalah, including Wadi Darbat and Mughsail, and visit the new Salalah Eye, scheduled to open in the second week of August. Those who do not wish to spend hours driving can find flight and hotel packages to Salalah, some of which start from approximately 1,499 dirhams.
Musandam in Oman, often called the 'Norway of Arabia,' is a much simpler choice for residents wishing to cross the border without undertaking a long trip to Salalah. Online packages to Hasab start from approximately 250 dirhams, and residents can also plan their own trip by personal car.
The three-day break allows residents to leave on Thursday evening, spend one or two nights there, and return on Sunday. Dhow cruises, mountain landscapes, and time by the water make this option suitable for a short road escape.
Residents who do not want to fly or cross the border can turn the weekend into a staycation. The platform Cobone currently offers hotel and resort deals starting from under 200 dirhams. Reviews of travel offers conducted by Khaleej Times show that the average cost of staycation packages is 300 dirhams in Ras Al Khaimah, 375 dirhams in Dubai, 450 dirhams in Abu Dhabi, 495 dirhams in Al Ain, 500 dirhams in Ajman, 590 dirhams in Umm Al Quwain, and 600 dirhams in Fujairah.
The final price will depend on the chosen hotel, room type, meals, and dates. For those looking for something more unusual, Sir Bani Yas Island can also offer island relaxation without leaving the UAE. Regardless of whether residents choose a short flight, a long trip, or a nearby hotel, the break from August 28th to 30th gives them a last chance to relax before returning to the usual routine.
Although almost seven months have passed, 2026 still offers many events for residents of the United Arab Emirates. With the start of the second half of the year, a number of significant changes and service improvements are expected that will affect the daily lives of many citizens of the country.
Increased connectivity between emirates is expected due to the expansion of Etihad Rail passenger services. On June 30, 2026, a historic event took place in the UAE—the launch of the first Etihad Rail passenger train between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi. This major project will continue its development in the remainder of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.
The current schedule plans for the opening of seven new stations this year: Dubai and Al Dhaid stations on September 30; Zayed City and Liwa (Al Dafra) stations on November 30; and Al Sila, Al Dannah, and Al Mirfa (Al Dafra) stations on December 20. According to the current timetable, the Sharjah University station will open in March 2027.
Although most of the long public holidays of 2026, such as Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, have already passed, there are still two opportunities for rest this year. The first holiday falls in August and is dedicated to the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, which is celebrated on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon in Hijri in August, and the vacation may be either Tuesday, August 25, or Wednesday, August 26.
According to UAE regulations, some public holidays can be moved to the beginning or end of the week if they fall on a weekday, which could potentially provide residents with long weekends in August.
Furthermore, the UAE plans to celebrate its 55th United Arab Emirates Day on Wednesday, December 2. Similar to the Prophet's birthday, there is a possibility of the date being postponed, which could lead to long weekends from Friday, December 4, to Sunday, December 6.
Art lovers await a pleasant event in 2026: the long-awaited Guggenheim Museum will open on December 11, 2026. The museum, designed by the late Frank Gehry laureate, is located in the cultural district in Saadiyat Island, where land meets sea. It will be another addition to Saadiyat's growing profile as a cultural center, joining the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum, and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
It is worth noting that two museums, the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum, also opened in the Saadiyat cultural district in November 2025.
A tourism initiative has been launched in Dubai that allows residents to receive discounts on hotels and restaurants worth over 3000 dirhams when inviting friends and family to visit the emirate. The 'Dubai Invite' promotion will run until October 31, giving residents three more months to use the benefits. As previously reported by Khaleej Times, eligible residents can nominate up to five visitors arriving in Dubai during this period. However, rewards can be used until December 31, 2026, unless individual offers specify a different validity period.
Individuals holding a valid UAE residency permit for at least three years who wish to travel during the summer holidays and before October 1 of this year can now visit Montenegro without prior visa application. This temporary exemption was announced by the government of Montenegro. This visa waiver applies only to those arriving in Montenegro directly from the UAE and does not extend to travelers transiting through other countries.
Two days ago, a new attraction, Kryptonite Collider, opened at Warner Bros. World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This is the first permanent new feature in the indoor theme park since its opening in 2018. This DC-themed attraction places guests inside the fictional villain's 'Everimen Project' laboratory, where they board a 32-seat ride combining spinning motion, lighting, sound, and visual effects, all centered around Superman's only known weakness—Kryptonite.
The park plans to open its next attraction, 'Superman Up and Away,' a flying roller coaster, in 2028. Like the Kryptonite Collider, this attraction will be located in the Metropolis zone.
