Most public holidays can be moved by a UAE Cabinet decision, giving residents the opportunity to enjoy longer breaks.
In the UAE, employees are entitled to several public holidays each year, marking religious, national and other important occasions. For residents planning their time off in 2027, knowing the expected holiday dates can help them make the most of their annual leave and plan longer breaks.
However, dates for Islamic holidays — which account for a significant portion of the UAE’s public holidays — depend on the sighting of the crescent moon. Each Hijri month lasts either 29 or 30 days. Crescent-sighting committees meet on the 29th day of each month, and if the moon is sighted, the new month begins the following day. If it is not sighted, the month completes 30 days.
These calculations are particularly important for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, as the duration of the fasting month determines the dates of the Eid holiday.
Before looking at the expected UAE public holidays in 2027, here are some important points to know.
Are Public Holidays in the UAE Transferable?
Yes. Most public holidays can be moved if the UAE Cabinet issues a decision to reschedule them. Such a move may allow residents to enjoy a longer break, with a holiday shifted to the beginning or end of the working week.
Which Public Holidays Are Exempt?
The transfer rule does not apply to Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. These religious holidays are exempt from the general provision allowing public holidays to be moved.
What Happens If Two Public Holidays Coincide?
Under Article 3 of Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 concerning public holidays in the UAE, a public holiday cannot be shifted to another day if it coincides with another public holiday.
What If a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend?
If a public holiday falls on the UAE’s official weekend — Saturday or Sunday — it cannot be moved to another day under the applicable rules. Several public holidays in 2027 are expected to fall on a weekend.
UAE Public Holidays in 2027
New Year’s Day: One Day
The Gregorian calendar year begins with a public holiday in the UAE.
Expected holiday date: Friday, January 1, 2027.
The holiday falls on a Friday, giving residents a three-day weekend. The first working day of the year will be Monday, January 4.
Eid Al Fitr: Three or Four Days
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is observed with an official holiday covering the first three days of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
Astronomical calculations suggest that Ramadan in 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, February 8. The exact dates will depend on the official moon sighting.
Under UAE law, if the Shawwal crescent is not sighted on the evening of Ramadan 29, the fasting month will extend to 30 days. In that case, Ramadan 30 will also be included in the Eid holiday, giving residents an additional day off.
Expected holiday dates if Ramadan lasts 29 days:
- Tuesday, March 9
- Wednesday, March 10
- Thursday, March 11
Expected holiday dates if Ramadan lasts 30 days:
- Tuesday, March 9, to Friday, March 12
In the second scenario, the additional holiday, followed by the weekend, could give residents a six-day break.
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha: Four Days
Arafah Day falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. It is followed by Eid Al Adha, which covers the next three days, from Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12.
Together, the occasions provide four days of public holiday in the UAE.
Expected holiday dates: Saturday, May 15, to Tuesday, May 18, 2027.
The dates remain subject to the official sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon.
Hijri New Year: One Day
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar.
Expected holiday date: Sunday, June 6, 2027, subject to moon sighting.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: One Day
The Prophet’s Birthday, also known as Mawlid Al Nabi, is observed on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar.
Expected holiday date: Saturday, August 14, 2027, subject to moon sighting.
Eid Al Etihad: Two Days
The UAE will celebrate its 56th Eid Al Etihad in 2027, marking the anniversary of the country’s formation in 1971.
Expected holiday dates: Thursday, December 2, and Friday, December 3.
With the holiday falling immediately before the weekend, residents could enjoy a four-day break from Thursday, December 2, to Sunday, December 5.
Tips to Extend Public Holidays in 2027
Whether you are planning an overseas trip or looking forward to some well-deserved downtime, a little advance planning can help you make the most of the UAE’s public holidays in 2027. Here are some ways to extend your breaks by taking a few days of annual leave.
For New Year’s Day, taking five days of leave at the beginning of January could help residents enjoy an extended break of up to 10 days, depending on the approved leave dates and surrounding weekends.
For Eid Al Fitr, taking Monday, March 8, off could give residents a six-day break if Ramadan lasts 29 days. If Ramadan extends to 30 days, the break could stretch to nine days, from Saturday, March 6, to Sunday, March 14.
For Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, employees who take Wednesday, May 19, Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21, off could enjoy a nine-day break, from Saturday, May 15, to Sunday, May 23.
Meanwhile, the expected four-day break for Eid Al Etihad could be extended by another day by taking Wednesday, December 1, off.
Can Employers Ask Employees to Work on Public Holidays?
Employees in the UAE are entitled to paid leave on official public holidays, as announced by the relevant authorities or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. However, employers may require employees to work on public holidays when necessary.
Under Article 28(2) of the UAE Labour Law, employees required to work on a public holiday are entitled to compensatory leave or their regular pay for the day, in addition to an allowance of at least 50% of their basic salary for that day, in accordance with the applicable provisions.
As residents look ahead to their holidays in 2027, planning early can help secure leave approvals and take advantage of better flight and hotel deals.
