UAE workers could get up to 13 paid public holidays a year, with 2027 potentially bringing a six-day Eid Al Fitr break and several long weekends.
UAE residents can enjoy up to 13 paid public holidays each year, creating several chances to plan a short getaway, staycation or extra time with family.
For anyone planning their time off, it is important to understand the difference between public holidays and annual leave.
Private-sector employees who have completed at least one year of service are generally entitled to 30 days of fully paid annual leave. They are also entitled to paid time off for public holidays observed in the UAE.
However, the UAE Government states that when a public holiday falls within an employee’s annual leave, it is counted as part of the annual leave period unless the employment contract or company policy provides more favourable terms.
That makes careful planning important. A public holiday can create a useful extended break when it falls next to a weekend or when employees use a few annual leave days around it.
Workers should nevertheless check their employer’s leave policy before assuming that a public holiday during booked annual leave will be added separately to their leave balance.
How Ramadan affects the number of holidays
The length of Ramadan can affect the total number of public holidays residents receive in a year.
When Ramadan lasts 30 days, residents can have up to 13 public holiday days. Under the UAE’s public holiday resolution, these include one day for Gregorian New Year, three days for Eid Al Fitr, with an additional day for the 30th day of Ramadan when applicable, one day for Arafah Day, three days for Eid Al Adha, one day for Hijri New Year, one day for the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and two days for Eid Al Etihad, formerly known as National Day.
If Ramadan lasts 29 days, the total is 12 public holiday days. A 30-day Ramadan adds one more day, bringing the annual total to 13. The exact dates of Islamic holidays are confirmed based on official moon sightings.
How could this create 13 days off?
The projected 2027 UAE holiday calendar could give residents several opportunities for extended breaks.
New Year’s Day is expected to fall on Friday, January 1, creating a three-day weekend.
Eid Al Fitr is projected to begin on Tuesday, March 9. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, the three-day public holiday would run through Thursday, March 11. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, Friday, March 12 could also be a holiday, potentially creating a six-day break when combined with the weekend.
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha are forecast to create a four-day break from Saturday, May 15 to Tuesday, May 18, subject to moon sighting.
In December, the two-day Eid Al Etihad holiday is expected to fall on Thursday, December 2 and Friday, December 3, potentially creating another four-day weekend.
The UAE Cabinet can move certain non-Eid public holidays to the beginning or end of a week through a separate resolution. Eid holidays are excluded from this transfer rule. Public holidays that coincide with another holiday or fall on a weekend cannot be transferred.
How UAE residents plan around public holidays
For some residents, an extended weekend does not necessarily mean travelling abroad. Muna said she values the extra time whether she stays in the UAE or takes a trip.
“With an extended weekend sometimes I travel, and sometimes I stay in the city. It doesn’t [make a difference] to me,” she said.
For Shahd Mardini, the length of the break determines how she spends it. A longer holiday can make a short trip worthwhile, while a shorter break is better suited to a staycation or time with family and friends.
“When public holidays are extended by the weekend, I usually prefer to travel if I have enough days off to make it worthwhile. It’s a great opportunity to take a short trip and explore somewhere new.”
She added: “If it’s only a couple of days, I’d usually go for a staycation, relax, and spend some quality time with family and friends. It really depends on how long the holiday is and what my plans are.”
For now, the 2027 dates are projections rather than a final timetable. Moon sightings and official announcements will determine the confirmed dates of Islamic holidays, so employees should wait for official confirmation before submitting leave requests or making non-refundable travel bookings.
