United Arab Emirates Weekends & Holidays

Weekend and Holiday Calendar for United Arab Emirates

In United Arab Emirates, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. The standard work week is SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursday. This Friday-Saturday weekend is common in Middle Eastern countries and aligns with Islamic tradition.

Public Holidays 2026

United Arab Emirates observes 7 official public holidays in 2026. On these days, government offices, banks, and many businesses are closed. Tourist attractions may have limited hours or special schedules.

Holiday Calendar

• 2026-01-01: New Year's Day - Western New Year celebration
• 2026-03-27: Eid al-Fitr (estimated) - End of Ramadan - 3-4 day holiday
• 2026-06-03: Eid al-Adha (estimated) - Festival of Sacrifice - 4-5 day holiday
• 2026-06-24: Islamic New Year (estimated) - Hijri New Year
• 2026-09-02: Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (estimated) - Mawlid celebration
• 2026-12-02: National Day - UAE formation anniversary - 2-3 days
• 2026-12-03: National Day Holiday - Extended National Day celebration

Best Times to Visit United Arab Emirates

Understanding tourist seasons helps you plan better:

Peak Tourist Season

November - March

Shoulder Season

April, October

Low Season

May - September (extreme heat)

Travel Planning Tips

Best Travel Dates

• November to April (cooler weather)
• Avoid major Islamic holidays if seeking full services
• Book early for National Day weekend (Dec 2-3)

Important Notes

• Islamic holidays follow lunar calendar and shift ~11 days earlier each year
• During Ramadan, eating/drinking in public during daylight is restricted
• Many businesses close for Eid holidays
• Weekend is Friday-Saturday (not Saturday-Sunday)
• Friday is the holy day - many places closed or half-day

Weekend Culture in United Arab Emirates

The Friday and Saturday weekend affects business hours, transportation schedules, and tourist activities. Friday is the Islamic holy day, so expect many businesses to close for prayers. Shopping malls and tourist attractions often have extended hours on weekends.