The UAE National Day holiday, Eid Al Etihad, falls on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026. It is the last public holiday of the year and applies to the public and private sectors under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024. With a Saturday and Sunday weekend, one day of leave on Friday 4 December gives you five days off in a row, and three days of leave give you nine.
National Day 2026 Holiday Dates
Article 1 of the resolution fixes Eid Al Etihad on 2 and 3 December every year. Article 2 also lets the Cabinet move most holidays to the start or end of the week. It used that power in 2025: the holiday, due on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 December, was moved to Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December and announced on 17 November 2025 (Khaleej Times report). No change has been announced for 2026, so plan on the official dates and check for an announcement in mid-November.
| Scenario | Holiday days | Shortest long weekend | Longest break with 3 leave days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official dates (no change) | Wed 2 and Thu 3 Dec | Book Fri 4 Dec: 5 days off, Wed 2 to Sun 6 Dec | Book Mon 30 Nov, Tue 1 and Fri 4 Dec: 9 days off, Sat 28 Nov to Sun 6 Dec |
| If moved to the end of the week | Thu 3 and Fri 4 Dec | No leave needed: 4 days off, Thu 3 to Sun 6 Dec | Book Mon 30 Nov to Wed 2 Dec: 9 days off, Sat 28 Nov to Sun 6 Dec |
| If moved to the start of the week | Mon 30 Nov and Tue 1 Dec | No leave needed: 4 days off, Sat 28 Nov to Tue 1 Dec | Book Wed 2 to Fri 4 Dec: 9 days off, Sat 28 Nov to Sun 6 Dec |
All three scenarios assume a Saturday and Sunday weekend. Use the planner below for other weekend patterns.
National Day 2026 Leave Planner
Pick your weekend and the holiday dates. The planner shows how many days off each extra leave day gives you and the exact dates to book.
How to Book Your National Day Leave
- Book each run of leave as a separate request. Under Article 29(7) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, rest days that fall inside a single period of annual leave can count as part of that leave. Booking Monday 30 November to Tuesday 1 December and Friday 4 December as two requests keeps the holiday and the weekend out of your balance.
- Your employer must approve the dates. Article 29(4) lets the employer set leave dates around work needs. Ask early, because the National Day week is popular.
- If you work on the holiday, Article 28(2) gives you another day off for each holiday day worked, or your normal wage plus at least 50% of your basic wage for that day.
- If the dates move, come back to this page and switch the planner to the announced scenario. The leave you need changes, and in some cases you need less.
Planning further ahead? See every 2027 holiday and the best long weekends in our UAE public holidays 2027 leave planner. For the rules on holidays and leave, read our guide to UAE public holidays and leave entitlement.
FAQ
When is the UAE National Day holiday in 2026?
Eid Al Etihad is on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026. Article 1 of Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 fixes the holiday on 2 and 3 December every year for the public and private sectors.
Will the 2026 National Day holiday be moved to make a long weekend?
It is possible but not announced. Article 2 of Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 lets the Cabinet move most holidays to the start or end of the week. In 2025, the 2 and 3 December holiday was moved to Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December, announced on 17 November 2025.
How many days off do I get for National Day 2026?
Two paid holiday days. With a Saturday and Sunday weekend, booking Friday 4 December gives a 5-day break from Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 December. Booking Monday 30 November, Tuesday 1 December and Friday 4 December gives 9 days, from Saturday 28 November to Sunday 6 December.
Does the private sector get the National Day holiday?
Yes. Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 gives the same official holidays to private sector employees, and MOHRE confirms the private sector dates each year.
What if I have to work on National Day?
Under Article 28(2) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, you are owed another day off for each holiday day worked, or your normal wage plus at least 50% of your basic wage for that day.
Official Sources
- Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 on Official Holidays for the Government and Private Sectors, Articles 1 to 3
- Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regulating Labour Relations, Articles 28 and 29
- UAE Government portal: Public holidays
Disclaimer: the 2026 National Day holiday is on 2 and 3 December unless the Cabinet announces a change. The “if moved” scenarios are illustrations based on the 2025 decision, not predictions. Confirm the final dates with the official announcement and your employer before booking travel. This page is general information, not legal advice.