UAE National Day Holidays 2026: How to Enjoy 9 Days Off With Just 3 Days of Annual Leave
By Thasmiya
UAE residents could enjoy a nine-day holiday this December by using just three days of annual leave, thanks to the upcoming National Day public holidays.
Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day, is celebrated on December 2 every year, marking the country’s formation in 1971.
In 2026, the occasion falls on a Wednesday, with the standard two-day public holiday scheduled for **Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3**.
For employees working Monday to Friday, combining these holidays with two weekends and three carefully selected annual leave days could create **nine consecutive days off from November 28 to December 6**. Residents planning activities during the holiday can also check our guide to [UAE National Day 2026 events, fireworks and ceremony viewing spots](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/uae-national-day-2026-55th-eid-al-etihad) for ideas across all seven emirates.
However, the final public holiday arrangements have not yet been announced, and the dates could change if the government decides to transfer the holidays.
Here’s how UAE residents can make the most of the final public holiday of 2026. Residents planning ahead can also review the [UAE's November 2026 events and updates](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/uae-november-2026-new-rules-events-school-dates), including the activities and preparations leading up to Eid Al Etihad.
## **When Are the UAE National Day Holidays in 2026?**
The UAE’s National Day celebrations take place annually on December 2.
Under the country’s official public holiday framework, both December 2 and December 3 are designated as holidays for the public and private sectors.
In 2026, these dates fall on:
- **Wednesday, December 2:** UAE National Day - **Thursday, December 3:** Second National Day public holiday
For employees with a standard Saturday–Sunday weekend, this creates an opportunity to extend the break by taking annual leave on nearby working days.
The exact holiday arrangement remains subject to an official government announcement.
## **How to Get 9 Days Off With Just 3 Days of Annual Leave**
The trick is to combine the two National Day holidays with the weekends before and after them.
Employees who normally work Monday to Friday would need to request annual leave on just three dates:
**Monday, November 30**
**Tuesday, December 1**
**Friday, December 4**
If approved, these three days would connect the public holidays with two weekends.
The result would be nine consecutive days away from work.
### **Your Complete 9-Day Holiday Calendar**
**Date**
**Day**
**Holiday Status**
November 28
Saturday
Weekend
November 29
Sunday
Weekend
November 30
Monday
Annual Leave
December 1
Tuesday
Annual Leave
December 2
Wednesday
National Day Public Holiday
December 3
Thursday
National Day Public Holiday
December 4
Friday
Annual Leave
December 5
Saturday
Weekend
December 6
Sunday
Weekend
**Total: 9 consecutive days off using only 3 annual leave days.**
Employees following this schedule would return to work on Monday, December 7.
This arrangement assumes that the National Day public holidays remain on December 2 and 3.
## **How Does the 9-Day Holiday Calculation Work?**
The calculation is straightforward.
**4 weekend days + 2 public holidays + 3 annual leave days = 9 consecutive days off.**
Rather than using an entire week of annual leave, employees can use three days from their balance to create a longer break.
This could be particularly useful for residents planning international travel, family visits or a short holiday before the end of the year.
## **Can You Get 5 Days Off With Just 1 Day of Annual Leave?**
Yes.
Employees who have only one annual leave day remaining could still enjoy a five-day break.
If the National Day holidays remain on December 2 and 3, taking **Friday, December 4**, as annual leave would create a continuous holiday from Wednesday to Sunday.
The arrangement would be:
**Date**
**Status**
Wednesday, December 2
Public Holiday
Thursday, December 3
Public Holiday
Friday, December 4
Annual Leave
Saturday, December 5
Weekend
Sunday, December 6
Weekend
**Total: 5 consecutive days off using 1 annual leave day.**
This option could work well for residents who want a short getaway without using much of their remaining leave balance. Employees who want a shorter break with less annual leave can also explore the [five-day weekend possibility for UAE National Day 2026](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/uae-residents-could-get-a-five-day-weekend-for-national-day-2026-heres-why).
## **What About Taking 2 Days of Annual Leave?**
Employees could also request Monday, November 30, and Tuesday, December 1, as annual leave.
Combined with the preceding weekend and the two National Day holidays, this would create six consecutive days off.
The break would begin on Saturday, November 28, and end on Thursday, December 3.
Employees would return to work on Friday, December 4, assuming they follow a Monday–Friday schedule.
This provides another option for those who prefer a longer break before National Day.
## **Could the UAE National Day Holidays Be Moved?**
Yes, there is a possibility.
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the UAE Cabinet may transfer certain public holidays to the beginning or end of the week.
The provision does not apply to Eid holidays.
This means the National Day holiday dates could potentially be adjusted through an official decision.
For example, if the holidays were moved to Thursday and Friday, December 3 and 4, the annual leave strategy would need to change.
Employees could instead consider taking November 30, December 1 and December 2 as annual leave to create a similar nine-day break.
However, this is only a possible scenario.
**The government has not yet confirmed any transfer of the December 2026 National Day holidays.**
Residents should wait for official announcements before finalising travel arrangements.
## **Is UAE National Day a Paid Public Holiday?**
Yes.
UAE National Day is recognised as an official public holiday for both the public and private sectors.
Under the UAE’s employment framework, eligible private-sector employees are entitled to paid leave on official public holidays.
Annual leave is separate from public holiday entitlement.
This means that, under the proposed nine-day arrangement, employees would generally use only three days from their annual leave balance.
The remaining days would consist of official holidays and their normal weekly rest days.
## **Does the 9-Day Holiday Apply to Everyone in the UAE?**
Not necessarily.
The nine-day calculation is designed for employees who work Monday to Friday and have Saturday and Sunday off.
Some UAE employees follow different schedules.
These may include:
- Retail and hospitality workers. - Healthcare professionals. - Shift-based employees. - Workers with a six-day working week. - Employees with alternative weekly rest days. - Certain government employees with different working arrangements.
For these employees, the number of consecutive days off may differ.
Annual leave approval also depends on the employer’s operational requirements and applicable employment policies.
## **Tips for Planning Your UAE National Day Holiday**
With the National Day break approaching, residents hoping to maximise their time off should start preparing.
### **Apply for Annual Leave Early**
November 30, December 1 and December 4 may become popular leave dates.
Submitting requests early could improve the chances of securing approval.
### **Wait for the Final Holiday Announcement**
The nine-day calculation depends on the public holidays remaining on December 2 and 3.
If the government announces different dates, employees may need to adjust their plans.
### **Look for Flexible Travel Bookings**
Residents planning international travel should consider accommodation and flight bookings that allow changes.
### **Check Your Company’s Leave Policy**
Some employers require advance notice for annual leave, particularly during busy periods. Before submitting your request, review the [UAE labour law rules on annual leave and employee rights](https://www.whatmatters.ae/post/uae-labour-law-explained-leave-gratuity-resignation-rules) and check your employer’s leave policy.
### **Plan Around Your Work Schedule**
Employees with alternative weekends or shift patterns should calculate their leave requirements separately.
## **Why Is UAE National Day Celebrated?**
UAE National Day commemorates the formation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971.
The occasion celebrates the country’s unity, heritage and achievements.
Also known as Eid Al Etihad, the celebration brings together communities across all seven emirates.
Residents can usually expect patriotic decorations, cultural performances, fireworks and family-friendly celebrations across the country.
Specific events for National Day 2026 will be announced closer to December.
## **Is National Day the Last UAE Public Holiday of 2026?**
Yes.
Under the UAE’s official holiday calendar, National Day is the final scheduled public holiday of 2026.
The two-day holiday provides residents with one last opportunity to plan an extended break before the new year.
For those with remaining annual leave, the December calendar offers a particularly convenient arrangement.
## **Frequently Asked Questions**
### **When are the UAE National Day holidays in 2026?**
The standard National Day public holidays fall on Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3, 2026. Final arrangements are subject to official confirmation.
### **How can I get nine days off for UAE National Day 2026?**
Take annual leave on November 30, December 1 and December 4. Combined with the public holidays and two weekends, this could create nine consecutive days off.
### **What are the nine holiday dates?**
The proposed break runs from Saturday, November 28, to Sunday, December 6, 2026.
### **How many annual leave days are needed?**
Only three annual leave days are required for employees with a standard Monday–Friday working schedule, provided the public holidays remain on December 2 and 3.
### **Can I get five days off with one annual leave day?**
Yes. Taking Friday, December 4, as annual leave could create a five-day break from December 2 to 6.
### **Are UAE National Day holidays paid?**
Yes. National Day is an official paid public holiday for eligible employees in both the public and private sectors.
### **Could the National Day holiday dates change?**
Yes. The UAE Cabinet can transfer certain public holidays to the beginning or end of the week through an official decision.
### **When will employees return to work after the nine-day break?**
Under the proposed arrangement, employees would return on Monday, December 7, 2026.
## **Why This Matters**
The UAE National Day holidays offer residents an opportunity to enjoy a longer break without using a large portion of their annual leave.
With December 2 and 3 falling in the middle of the week, employees can potentially connect the public holidays with two weekends.
For those following a Monday–Friday schedule, taking November 30, December 1 and December 4 as annual leave could provide nine consecutive days off.
However, the final holiday dates remain subject to government confirmation.
Residents should check official announcements and secure employer approval before making non-refundable travel plans.
With some early planning, the final public holiday of 2026 could become one of the year’s longest breaks.
## **Source Credits**
UAE Government Official Portal — Public Holidays in the UAE.
UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 — Official Public Holidays.
Gulf News — UAE National Day Holidays 2026: How to Get Nine Days Off With Three Annual Leave Days, October 19, 2026.
Khaleej Times — UAE National Day Holidays and Annual Leave Planning, October 18, 2026.
Gulf Business — How to Turn Three Annual Leave Days Into Nine Days Off, August 21, 2026.
*This guide assumes that December 2 and 3 remain the official National Day holidays and that employees follow a Saturday–Sunday weekend. Final holiday arrangements and annual leave approvals may vary.*
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