Qatar
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
Oman
Bahrain
Key takeaways
- UAE public holidays 2026 total 14 paid days, with an extra shifted day for National Day on 27 Dec.
- The UAE weekend remains Friday‑Saturday; holidays landing on these days are shifted to Sunday.
- Emirates ID must be renewed within 30 days of passport expiry to keep your visa valid.
Quick answer: As of October 2026, the UAE public holidays total 14 paid days, with an extra shifted day for National Day on 27 December. Key dates include Eid al‑Fitr (10‑14 May), Labour Day (1 May), Eid al‑Adha (20‑24 July) and the National Day weekend (25‑27 December). Visa holders must renew their Emirates ID within 30 days of passport expiry.
What are the official UAE public holidays in 2026?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) released the 2026 holiday calendar in June 2026. The dates below apply nationwide (Friday‑Saturday weekend).
- 1 May 2026 – UAE Labour Day (one‑day holiday, precedes Eid al‑Fitr).
- 10‑14 May 2026 – Eid al‑Fitr (five‑day holiday based on the Saudi Arabian Moon‑Sighting Committee).
- 15 July 2026 – Islamic New Year (Hijri 1448 AH) (one‑day holiday).
- 20‑24 July 2026 – Eid al‑Adha (five‑day holiday, includes Arafat and two days of Eid).
- 23 October 2026 – Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid al‑Nabi) (one‑day holiday).
- 25‑27 December 2026 – UAE National Day (Friday‑Saturday plus an extra shifted day on Sunday 27 Dec).
All announcements are posted on the official MOHRE website and confirmed by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
How many paid UAE public holidays does an employee get in 2026?
Employees receive a total of 14 paid UAE public holidays in 2026, up from 13 in 2025. The count includes the extra weekend‑shifted National Day day.
| Year | Paid UAE public holidays | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 13 days | Standard federal holidays |
| 2026 | 14 days | Includes extra National Day shift (27 Dec) |
Weekend‑shifted days count as paid holidays even though they fall on a regular weekend.
When does the UAE weekend fall in 2026 and how does it affect holiday dates?
The official weekend for the UAE in 2026 remains Friday‑Saturday. Working days are Sunday‑Thursday.
If a public holiday lands on a Friday or Saturday, the government may shift the day to the next working day (Sunday) to ensure a full day off. This explains the extra Sunday on 27 December for National Day.
Business hours, school schedules, and government services all follow this pattern, so plan appointments accordingly.
How can I check my visa status in the UAE in 2026?
Checking your visa status is straightforward via the ICA’s e‑services portal.
- Visit the ICA official portal and select “Visa Services”.
- Enter your passport number, Emirates ID number, and the captcha code.
- Click “Check Status”. The system will display visa type, expiry date, and any pending actions.
Since July 2026, the Emirates ID renewal rule requires renewal within 30 days of passport expiry. Failure can lead to fines or visa invalidation.
Common mistakes:
- Using an outdated passport number after renewal.
- Skipping the captcha, which triggers a “session expired” error.
- Uploading a blurry passport scan; the system rejects it.
For faster verification, use the ICA mobile app, which sends push notifications when your visa status changes.
How do I convert my foreign driving licence to a UAE licence in 2026?
Conversion is handled by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai and equivalent bodies in other emirates.
- Gather required documents: passport copy, valid residence visa, Emirates ID, and the original foreign driving licence.
- Visit an RTA Customer Happiness Centre or book an appointment online via the RTA portal.
- Pay the conversion fee (AED 300 for most countries; higher for US/UK licences).
- Complete the theory test (optional for certain countries) and the practical road‑test if required.
- Collect your new UAE licence; it is usually issued the same day.
Tips for South Asian and Filipino expats:
- Bring a certified translation if the licence is not in English.
- Schedule the test early in the week to avoid Friday‑Saturday crowding.
- Check whether your home country has a reciprocal agreement – you may be exempt from the practical test.
What are the latest expat salary trends in the UAE for 2026?
According to Gulf News Business & Expat Section, expat salaries saw modest growth in 2026, driven by demand in finance, construction and IT.
- Average monthly salary for Indian expats in Dubai: AED 12,800 (≈ USD 3,480).
- Average monthly salary for Filipino expats in Abu Dhabi: AED 10,500 (≈ USD 2,860).
- Finance professionals enjoy a 6 % year‑on‑year rise; construction wages are up 4 %.
- Many firms schedule bonus payouts around Labour Day and Eid al‑Fitr (early May).
Cost‑of‑living pressure remains high: Numbeo’s 2026 index for Dubai is 78.5, indicating slight increases in housing and food costs.
How does the UAE labour law calculate end‑of‑service gratuity in 2026?
The gratuity formula, as stipulated by MOHRE, remains unchanged in 2026:
- 21 days of basic salary for each year of service up to the first 5 years.
- 30 days of basic salary for each additional year beyond 5 years.
Because the holiday calendar now includes 14 paid days, employers count those days as part of the “service year” when calculating gratuity. Example:
Employee A joined on 1 Jan 2019 with a basic salary of AED 8,000. After 7 years (by 1 Jan 2026) the gratuity is:
- First 5 years: 5 × 21 days = 105 days → 105 ÷ 30 × AED 8,000 = AED 28,000.
- Next 2 years: 2 × 30 days = 60 days → 60 ÷ 30 × AED 8,000 = AED 16,000.
Total gratuity = AED 44,000.
For detailed guidance, see the MOHRE gratuity page.
What are the new banking holidays in the UAE for 2026?
Banks follow the federal holiday schedule and add two extra closure days during each Eid period.
- Eid al‑Fitr banking closures: 10‑14 May (same as public holiday) plus 15 May.
- Eid al‑Adha banking closures: 20‑24 July plus 25 July.
- National Day banking closures: 25‑27 December.
- Labour Day banking closure: 1 May.
These closures affect salary disbursement and remittance timings. Plan international transfers at least two business days before a bank holiday.
Official announcement is available on the Central Bank of UAE website.
Practical tips for expats around UAE public holidays 2026
- Book flights and hotels early for the Eid periods (May and July) – prices rise sharply after the first week of August.
- Schedule Emirates ID renewal well before your passport expires; the 30‑day window is strict.
- Adjust project timelines in May and July to accommodate the extended holiday blocks.
- For families, align school enrolment dates with the holiday calendar to avoid missed days.
- Use the holiday calendar to plan salary advances; many companies release bonus payments before the Labour Day‑Eid stretch.
Stay updated by checking the MOHRE and ICA portals regularly, as dates may shift with lunar sightings.
Frequently asked questions
What are the UAE public holidays in 2026?
The 2026 UAE public holidays are: 1 May (Labour Day), 10‑14 May (Eid al‑Fitr), 15 July (Islamic New Year), 20‑24 July (Eid al‑Adha), 23 Oct (Prophet’s Birthday) and 25‑27 Dec (National Day, with an extra Sunday).
How many paid UAE public holidays will I get in 2026?
Employees receive 14 paid UAE public holidays in 2026, an increase from 13 in 2025 due to the extra National Day shift.
When is the UAE weekend in 2026?
The UAE weekend in 2026 is Friday‑Saturday; the work week runs Sunday‑Thursday.
How can I check my UAE visa status in 2026?
Visit the ICA portal (https://www.ica.gov.ae), select Visa Services, enter passport and Emirates ID details, and click “Check Status”.
What is the process to convert a foreign driving licence to a UAE licence in 2026?
Gather passport, visa, Emirates ID and foreign licence; book an appointment on the RTA portal, pay the fee, pass any required tests, and collect the UAE licence.