UAE Public Holidays 2027: All the Predicted Days Off Revealed
By Thasmiya
UAE residents could enjoy **up to 13 public holidays in 2027**, depending on official moon sightings for Islamic occasions.
While some holidays already have fixed Gregorian dates, others—including Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year and the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday—will only be confirmed closer to the time based on the lunar calendar.
Here’s an early look at the holidays UAE residents are expected to receive in 2027.
## **New Year’s Day**
**Expected date:** Friday, January 1, 2027
The first public holiday of the year is fixed on the Gregorian calendar.
If confirmed without any changes, residents can begin 2027 with a **three-day weekend** from Friday to Sunday.
## **Eid Al Fitr**
**Expected dates:** Around Monday, February 8 to Wednesday, February 10, 2027 *(subject to moon sighting)*
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is usually one of the longest public holidays in the UAE.
The UAE Cabinet holiday calendar provides holidays from **29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal**, meaning the exact number of days will depend on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
Many residents could enjoy a long break, especially if weekends align with the holiday period.
## **Arafat Day**
**Expected date:** Around Monday, May 17, 2027 *(subject to moon sighting)*
Arafat Day falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah and precedes Eid Al Adha.
It is observed as a one-day public holiday across the UAE.
## **Eid Al Adha**
**Expected dates:** Around Tuesday, May 18 to Thursday, May 20, 2027 *(subject to moon sighting)*
Eid Al Adha is expected to provide a **three-day public holiday**, following Arafat Day.
Combined, the break could last **four consecutive days**, depending on the official calendar and weekend alignment.
## **Islamic New Year**
**Expected date:** Around Sunday, July 4, 2027 *(subject to moon sighting)*
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar.
As with other Islamic holidays, the official date depends on the moon sighting.
## **Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday**
**Expected date:** Around Monday, September 13, 2027 *(subject to moon sighting)*
The occasion commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is observed as a one-day public holiday across the UAE.
## **Commemoration Day**
**Date:** Wednesday, December 1, 2027
Commemoration Day is a fixed public holiday honouring the sacrifices made by the UAE’s martyrs.
## **UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)**
**Dates:** Thursday, December 2 and Friday, December 3, 2027
The UAE celebrates Eid Al Etihad with two official public holidays on December 2 and 3 each year.
Since these dates fall on **Thursday and Friday** in 2027, many residents could enjoy an extended weekend when combined with Saturday and Sunday.
## **Predicted UAE Public Holidays 2027**
- **January 1 (Friday):** New Year’s Day - **Around February 8–10:** Eid Al Fitr\* - **Around May 17:** Arafat Day\* - **Around May 18–20:** Eid Al Adha\* - **Around July 4:** Islamic New Year\* - **Around September 13:** Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday\* - **December 1 (Wednesday):** Commemoration Day - **December 2–3 (Thursday–Friday):** Eid Al Etihad (National Day)
\*Dates marked with an asterisk are subject to official moon sightings.
## **How are UAE public holidays decided?**
Public holidays in the UAE fall into two categories:
**Fixed-date holidays** include:
- New Year’s Day - Commemoration Day - Eid Al Etihad (National Day)
**Islamic holidays** are based on the Hijri calendar and are officially confirmed by moon-sighting committees before each occasion.
As a result, predicted dates may shift by one day.
## **Will holidays be moved to create longer weekends?**
Under current UAE public holiday regulations, the Cabinet has the authority to move certain public holidays—excluding Eid holidays—to the beginning or end of the week where appropriate.
Any changes are announced officially before the holiday period.
## **Why this matters**
Public holidays are among the busiest travel periods in the UAE, with residents planning overseas trips, staycations and family gatherings months in advance.
Although Islamic holiday dates remain provisional until confirmed through moon sightings, an early look at the 2027 calendar can help residents begin planning annual leave, travel and long weekends well in advance.
## **FAQs**
### **How many public holidays could the UAE have in 2027?**
Residents could receive up to **13 public holiday days**, depending on moon sightings and the final Eid holiday calendar.
### **Which UAE public holidays have fixed dates?**
New Year’s Day (January 1), Commemoration Day (December 1) and Eid Al Etihad (December 2–3) are fixed on the Gregorian calendar.
### **Why are Eid holiday dates not confirmed?**
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar and are officially confirmed after moon sightings.
### **Could the dates change?**
Yes. Islamic holidays may move by one day depending on the official moon sighting.
### **Will private and public sector employees receive the same holidays?**
Under the UAE’s unified public holiday system, both sectors generally receive the same official public holidays.
### **When will the official 2027 holiday calendar be announced?**
The UAE Government confirms the final dates closer to each holiday, particularly for Islamic occasions that depend on moon sightings.
## **Source Credits**
Information source and resource owners: UAE Cabinet, UAE Government Portal and official UAE public holiday regulations.
## **Image Credits**
Image sources are combined from AI-generated visuals and other platforms. If any owner wants to be mentioned or any content needs to be changed, please email us at **concerns@whatmatters.ae**.