The UAE's public holidays are the perfect excuse for a long weekend or a quick trip abroad. Some fall on fixed dates, while the Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, move about 11 days earlier each year, and are confirmed only shortly before, based on the sighting of the moon. Here is a guide to the UAE public holidays for 2027, with expected dates, how many days off to expect, and ideas for where to travel.
UAE Public Holidays 2027 at a Glance
The Islamic holiday dates below are estimates based on the lunar calendar. Official dates and the exact number of days off are announced by the UAE government, usually close to each holiday, and can shift by a day or two depending on moon sighting.
- New Year's Day: January 1, 2027 (Friday)
- Eid Al Fitr: Expected around March 9 or 10, 2027, at the end of Ramadan. Usually a holiday of three to four days.
- Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha: Arafat Day is expected around May 15 or 16, 2027, followed by Eid Al Adha. Usually a holiday of around four days.
- Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year): Expected around June 6, 2027. One day off.
- Prophet Muhammad's Birthday: Expected around August 14 or 15, 2027. One day off.
- Commemoration Day and National Day (Eid Al Etihad): Commemoration Day on November 30 and National Day on December 2. The holiday usually covers December 2 and 3.
The UAE government sometimes moves single-day holidays to create a long weekend, so keep an eye on official announcements before booking flights.
Where to Travel on Each Holiday
New Year's Day: A UAE Staycation
With a single day off, stay close to home.
- Al Ain: The UAE's "Garden City" has the Al Ain Oasis, forts, and the winding road up Jebel Hafeet.
- Fujairah: Beaches, mountains, and snorkeling on the Gulf of Oman coast.
- Hatta: Kayak on the dam, mountain bike, or camp under the stars. See our guide to things to do in Hatta.
Eid Al Fitr: A Short Trip Abroad
Eid Al Fitr in 2027 falls in March, a lovely time to travel to cooler destinations a few hours away.
- Georgia: Tbilisi's old town, wine country, and mountain scenery, with direct flights from the UAE. Stay connected with our Georgia eSIM guide.
- Azerbaijan: Baku's historic walled city and modern skyline.
- Turkey: Istanbul in spring is beautiful, with tulips in bloom. Read our guide to traveling from the UAE to Turkey.
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha: A Longer Escape
The longest holiday of the year is ideal for a beach or island trip.
- Thailand: Bangkok's temples and the beaches of Phuket and Krabi. See our Dubai to Thailand travel guide.
- The Maldives: Overwater villas and turquoise lagoons, just over four hours away.
- Sri Lanka: Beaches, tea country, and wildlife safaris.
Eid is one of the busiest travel periods from the UAE, so book flights and hotels as early as possible.
Islamic New Year: A Long Weekend Nearby
- Oman: Drive to the fjords of Musandam or the mountains around Nizwa, or fly to Salalah, where the summer monsoon turns the hills green.
- A summer staycation: Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi offer some of their best rates in summer.
- Yas Island: Indoor theme parks and waterparks for a family weekend.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday: A Quick Flight
- Jordan: Explore Petra and float in the Dead Sea. See our Jordan eSIM guide.
- The Seychelles: Granite boulders, white beaches, and lush islands.
- Georgia or Armenia: Cooler mountain air at the end of summer.
National Day: Celebrate at Home or Travel
Stay to enjoy the fireworks, parades, and festivals, read our guide to UAE National Day, or take a short trip abroad.
- Egypt: The Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and Nile cruises. See our Egypt eSIM guide.
- Saudi Arabia: Historic Jeddah, Riyadh, and the desert landscapes of AlUla. See our Saudi Arabia eSIM guide.
Tips for Traveling on UAE Public Holidays
- Book early: Flights and hotels fill up quickly, especially around Eid and National Day.
- Allow for date changes: Islamic holidays can move by a day, so choose flexible tickets where possible.
- Check visa rules: Entry requirements depend on your nationality, not your UAE residence. Check the official rules for your passport before booking.
- Arrive early at the airport: Airports are very busy at the start of long weekends.
- Stay connected abroad: Avoid roaming charges by installing a travel eSIM before you fly. egoViet has eSIMs for Turkey, Thailand, Oman, and many more destinations, plus a UAE eSIM for visitors to the Emirates.
FAQs: UAE Public Holidays
How many public holidays are there in the UAE?
The UAE has around 13 to 14 days of public holidays a year, including New Year's Day, Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, the Prophet's Birthday, Commemoration Day, and National Day.
When is Eid Al Fitr in 2027?
Eid Al Fitr is expected around March 9 or 10, 2027. The exact date depends on the sighting of the moon at the end of Ramadan.
Do public and private sectors get the same holidays in the UAE?
Yes. Since 2019, the UAE has applied the same public holiday schedule to the public and private sectors.
Why do Islamic holidays change every year?
They follow the Hijri lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, so each holiday moves earlier every year.