Public Holidays in UAE 2026: Full List & Employee Pay Rules Explained

Public holidays in the UAE are significant for both workers and their employers because they influence the work calendar, payment calculation, leave planning, and business activity. In 2026, people living in the UAE can enjoy public holidays on New Year, Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, Commemoration Day, and UAE National Day.

The UAE’s official holiday framework is based on Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which became effective from January 1, 2025, and applies to official holidays in the country. Public Holidays in UAE 2026 Some Islamic holiday dates may still depend on moon sighting, so final government announcements should always be checked near the date.

UAE Public Holidays 2026 List (Public Holidays in UAE 2026 )

These dates are widely listed as the expected 2026 UAE holiday calendar, but Islamic holidays such as Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday can be adjusted after official moon-sighting confirmation.

Are UAE Public Holidays Paid?

Yes. Under UAE Labour Law, private-sector employees are entitled to official public holidays with full pay. It means that in case of an officially declared holiday where the worker is not expected to work, the worker will be paid his full salary for that day.

In case of salaried workers, the monthly salary is not reduced by the holiday. In case of daily wage or shift workers, calculations must be done according to UAE labour laws and the employment contract.

Read More: UAE Labour Law for Resignation (2026): Notice Period, Final Settlement & Rights

What Happens If an Employee Works on a Public Holiday?

When an employee is asked to report for duty during a UAE public holiday, then he/she must be paid accordingly. Article 28 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 states that the employee should either receive another day off for each public holiday worked, or be paid the wage for that day plus an additional amount of not less than 50% of the basic wage for that day.

In simple words, the employee gets one of these:

A substitute day off for the holiday worked; or

Normal day wage + at least 50% extra of the basic daily wage.

Example of Public Holiday Pay in UAE

Suppose an employee’s basic salary is AED 3,000 per month. With the basic daily wages fixed at AED 100 by the company, a public holiday might involve:Basic daily wages + AED 50 additional minimum compensation during holidays

It is essential to note that the specific amount may differ from one individual to another based on the pay package of the employee. Nevertheless, the core principle remains unambiguous: a working day on a public holiday cannot be equated to an ordinary working day. Public Holidays in UAE 2026 Both the employers and the employees should pay attention to the UAE announcements and have their HR records in order and also have the right compensation policies.

Do Public Holidays Apply to Private Sector Employees?

Yes. UAE public holidays usually apply to all public and private sector workers when announced officially. Holidays for the private sector are often announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation separately for big events like Eid holidays and the National Day.

Employers should always keep their workers aware through announcements, especially for Islamic holidays since their dates are based on the moon sightings.

Read More: How to Calculate Basic Salary from Total Salary in UAE (With Examples 2026)

Do Public Holidays Count as Annual Leave?

Public holidays are different from annual leave. If an employee is simply taking an official public holiday, it should not normally be deducted from their annual leave balance.

However, when public holidays coincide with an employee’s leave, then the decision will be based on the UAE labour law, company policy, and the employment contract.  Employers should clearly mention leave rules in the company’s HR policy to avoid confusion.

Important Notes for Employers

Employers in the UAE should prepare a holiday calendar at the start of the year and update it when official announcements are made. For industries such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, logistics, and security, some employees may need to work during holidays. In such a scenario, employers are required to document the working holiday and compensate the employee accordingly.

It is a good human resources management practice to maintain written documentation of holiday work, substitute days, pay deductions, and employee consent forms.

Important Notes for Employees

If an employee works during a public holiday, then he needs to verify his payslip. In case there is no compensation for that particular day, the worker must first consult with HR or the company. If the matter remains unresolved, then he can contact MOHRE.

Employees should also remember that holiday dates for Eid and Islamic occasions are not always fixed far in advance. Final dates are confirmed by official UAE authorities.

Read More: What is Net Salary in UAE? Complete Guide with Real Salary Examples (2026)

Conclusion

UAE public holidays in 2026 will give employees several important paid breaks throughout the year, including Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, Commemoration Day, and UAE National Day. Employees are entitled to paid public holidays, and if they are required to work during an official holiday, Public Holidays in UAE 2026 UAE Labour Law gives them the right to either a substitute day off or extra pay.

Both the employers and the employees should pay attention to the UAE announcements and have their HR records in order and also have the right compensation policies. 

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