UAE public holidays: How to maximise your remaining annual leave this year

The next public holiday approaching in the UAE is the Prophet Mohammed's birthday, predicted to fall on Tuesday, August 25. Employees can take advantage of this by using their annual leave to extend the break. By taking the day off on Monday, August 24, they can enjoy a four-day weekend, from Saturday, August 22 to Tuesday, August 25.

Looking ahead, the National Day holidays on December 2 and 3 will also provide opportunities for extended leave. By strategically combining annual leave with weekends, residents can maximize their time off. For instance, taking annual leave from Monday, November 30 to Tuesday, December 1, and then again on Friday, December 4 would result in a nine-day break, spanning from Saturday, November 28 to Sunday, December 6.

It is important to note that final public holiday dates are subject to confirmation by the UAE's moon-sighting committee, and the actual number of days off may differ between the public and private sectors. In 2026, there are two significant opportunities for extended leave, occurring between August 23 and 27 (five days off with one annual leave day) and November 30 to December 7 (nine days off with three annual leave days).

As we move into 2027, early astronomical projections suggest that Ramadan might begin around February 6, with Eid Al Fitr expected on March 8. Additionally, New Year's Day will fall on a Friday in 2027, providing residents with a three-day weekend to start the year. While these estimates may change closer to the actual dates, they can help individuals plan for longer breaks in the upcoming year.