The National Day holiday 2026 is one of the most anticipated public holidays in the UAE, with residents preparing to celebrate the country’s 55th Eid Al Etihad in December.
According to the UAE Government’s official public holiday calendar, Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3, 2026, are designated public holidays for UAE National Day. The official calendar states that National Day provides two public holidays and applies to both the public and private sectors.
However, employees should note that the final holiday arrangement can still be clarified through separate announcements from the relevant government authorities closer to the occasion.
Here is everything currently known about the UAE National Day holiday 2026, possible long-weekend arrangements and this year’s celebrations.
Table of Contents
When Is the UAE National Day Holiday 2026?
UAE National Day, officially known as Eid Al Etihad, is celebrated every year on December 2.
For 2026, the UAE’s official public holiday calendar lists:
| Occasion | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| UAE National Day / Eid Al Etihad | December 2, 2026 | Wednesday |
| National Day holiday | December 3, 2026 | Thursday |
Therefore, the scheduled National Day holiday 2026 covers two days — Wednesday and Thursday, December 2 and 3.
The National Day holiday 2026 dates apply to both public and private sector employees under the UAE’s unified public holiday framework.
Will UAE National Day 2026 Create a Long Weekend?
For the National Day holiday 2026, a longer weekend is possible, but residents should wait for the final government announcement before making plans based on an extended break.
December 2 falls on a Wednesday in 2026, while December 3 falls on a Thursday.
For employees whose regular weekend is Saturday and Sunday, the currently listed National Day holidays do not automatically create a continuous four-day weekend because Friday, December 4, falls between the holiday and the weekend.
The UAE’s public holiday framework allows some non-Eid public holidays to be moved to the beginning or end of a week under certain circumstances.
Therefore, any change involving the National Day holiday dates should be treated as unconfirmed until the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, UAE Cabinet or another competent authority issues an official announcement.
Residents planning staycations, flights or other trips should check official announcements before making non-refundable bookings.
UAE Celebrates 55th Eid Al Etihad in 2026
The UAE National Day 2026 will mark the country’s 55th Eid Al Etihad.
National Day commemorates the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 and the union of the emirates under one nation.
The UAE officially began the 55-day countdown to the 55th Eid Al Etihad on October 8, 2026, when the visual identity for this year’s celebrations was revealed.
The 2026 celebrations also take place during the UAE’s Year of Family.
According to the official announcement, this year’s Eid Al Etihad identity draws inspiration from Emirati family life, traditional homes, architecture, cultural traditions, familiar places and natural landscapes.
The theme reflects the idea of the UAE as a “family of families”, bringing together generations and communities around shared national values.
Is National Day Holiday 2026 for the Private Sector?
Yes. The UAE Government’s official holiday list states that the country’s public holidays apply to both public and private sectors.
National Day is allocated two days on December 2 and 3.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation normally issues a separate announcement for private sector workers closer to public holidays.
Employees should therefore follow their employer’s communication and official MOHRE updates for confirmation of working arrangements.
Companies operating essential services, hospitality, healthcare, retail, aviation and other industries may continue operating during public holidays. Employees working on an official holiday are subject to the relevant provisions of UAE labour law.
National Day Holiday 2026 for Government Employees
Federal government employees are also entitled to the National Day holiday 2026 under the UAE’s public holiday framework.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources usually issues an official circular confirming the exact holiday dates and the date on which federal government employees return to work.
As of November 9, 2026, the general UAE public holiday calendar confirms December 2 and 3 as National Day holidays, while the specific 2026 federal government Eid Al Etihad circular has not yet appeared on FAHR’s published circular list.
Government employees should follow FAHR and their respective government entities for the final announcement.
Is UAE National Day the Same as Eid Al Etihad?
Yes. UAE National Day is officially referred to as Eid Al Etihad, meaning the celebration of the Union.
December 2 marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.
The occasion honours the country’s Founding Fathers and celebrates the UAE’s history, development, unity and ambitions for the future.
The term Eid Al Etihad has increasingly become the official name used in government announcements and national celebrations.
National Day Celebrations in Dubai in 2026
Dubai’s 2026 Retail Calendar lists Eid Al Etihad celebrations from November 30 to December 3, 2026.
The programme is expected to include patriotic events, cultural activities, retail promotions, family experiences and fireworks.
Dubai traditionally marks National Day with celebrations at destinations, malls and tourist areas across the emirate.
Residents and visitors should check official event announcements closer to December for confirmed fireworks locations, timings, road closures and public transport changes.
Are UAE Schools Closed for National Day 2026?
Schools will also observe the National Day holiday 2026 during the 2026–27 academic year.
The Ministry of Education’s academic calendar identifies the National Day period in early December, while Dubai school calendars also list December 2 and 3 as National Day holidays.
Parents should still check individual school communications, particularly because academic schedules can differ depending on curriculum and education authority requirements.
Things to Do During UAE National Day 2026
Residents who have time off during the National Day holiday 2026 can expect numerous activities throughout the UAE.
Popular options normally include watching National Day fireworks, visiting heritage attractions, attending cultural events and spending time at major family destinations such as Global Village Dubai.
Many shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and attractions also introduce National Day promotions and themed activities.
Those travelling within the UAE may consider destinations such as Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi for a short break.
Because the holiday is a busy travel period, early reservations are recommended once the final holiday schedule is confirmed.
Why Does the UAE Celebrate National Day on December 2?
The UAE celebrates National Day on December 2 because the federation was established on December 2, 1971.
The occasion represents the historic union and honours the vision and efforts of the country’s Founding Fathers.
Since then, December 2 has become one of the most important dates on the UAE calendar, celebrated by citizens and residents across all seven emirates.
In 2026, the UAE celebrates 55 years since the formation of the federation.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Day Holiday 2026
When is UAE National Day holiday 2026?
The UAE Government currently lists December 2 and December 3, 2026, as the two National Day public holidays.
What days are December 2 and 3 in 2026?
December 2, 2026 falls on a Wednesday, while December 3 falls on a Thursday.
Is there a four-day weekend for UAE National Day 2026?
A four-day weekend has not yet been officially confirmed. Residents should wait for announcements from FAHR, MOHRE or other competent UAE authorities regarding any adjustment to the holiday dates.
Is National Day holiday 2026 for the private sector?
Yes. National Day is included in the UAE public holiday calendar applicable to both public and private sectors.
How many National Day holidays are there in the UAE?
The UAE public holiday calendar provides two days for National Day — December 2 and December 3.
Which National Day is the UAE celebrating in 2026?
The UAE will celebrate its 55th Eid Al Etihad in 2026.
Is Eid Al Etihad the same as UAE National Day?
Yes. Eid Al Etihad is the official name increasingly used for the UAE National Day celebration commemorating the formation of the federation.
Final Word
The National Day holiday 2026 is currently scheduled for Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3, as the UAE celebrates its 55th Eid Al Etihad.
Both public and private sector workers are covered by the UAE’s official public holiday framework. However, residents should wait for the final sector-specific government announcements before assuming that the holiday will be moved or extended into a longer weekend.
With celebrations planned across the country, Eid Al Etihad 2026 is set to be an important occasion marking 55 years since the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.
