DUBAI, October 19, 2026: UAE residents planning ahead for Eid Al Etihad could enjoy a five-day break in December by using just one day of annual leave, provided the National Day public holidays remain on their usual dates.
The UAE government’s public holiday calendar lists National Day as a two-day holiday on December 2 and 3 for public and private sector employees. In 2026, those dates fall on a Wednesday and Thursday. However, the precise arrangements for the upcoming break may be subject to a separate official announcement, and some public holidays can be transferred under UAE rules.
How to plan five consecutive days off
If Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3 remain the observed holidays, employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off could request annual leave for Friday, December 4. The result would be five consecutive days away from work, from Wednesday, December 2 through Sunday, December 6.
- Wednesday, December 2: National Day holiday under the standard calendar.
- Thursday, December 3: Second National Day holiday under the standard calendar.
- Friday, December 4: One day of annual leave, subject to employer approval.
- Saturday, December 5: Regular weekend for employees on a Saturday–Sunday schedule.
- Sunday, December 6: Regular weekend for employees on a Saturday–Sunday schedule.
This arrangement is a planning possibility, not a government-announced five-day public holiday. Workers with different weekly schedules may have a different number of consecutive days off.
Have the 2026 Eid Al Etihad holiday dates been confirmed?
The UAE’s official government portal identifies December 2 and 3 as the standard National Day holidays. As of October 19, a separate final announcement on whether the 2026 break will follow or shift those dates had not been established in the sources reviewed for this article.
Residents should check announcements from the relevant federal and local authorities and confirm their employers’ holiday arrangements before making non-refundable travel bookings.
What is Eid Al Etihad?
Eid Al Etihad is the UAE’s National Day celebration, commemorating the establishment of the federation on December 2, 1971. The occasion is marked by cultural events, heritage activities and celebrations across the emirates.
Tips for planning annual leave
Employees hoping to take advantage of the possible long break should check their annual leave balances, discuss the proposed Friday absence with their managers and wait for final public holiday arrangements before confirming travel. The calculation above assumes a standard Saturday–Sunday weekend and does not guarantee leave approval.
Sources: Official UAE Government Portal: Public Holidays; Khaleej Times, October 18, 2026; Eid Al Etihad official website.
