UAE Public Holidays 2027: Full List of Expected Dates and Long Weekends
By Eyad
Already planning your 2027 trips? The UAE calendar could bring several opportunities for long weekends, including a potential **six-day Eid Al Fitr break** and a **four-day Eid Al Etihad weekend**.
Under the UAE’s current public-holiday framework, employees across the public and private sectors receive holidays for New Year’s Day, Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha, Hijri New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday and Eid Al Etihad. ([U.AE](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays?663d1f65_page=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com))
While fixed Gregorian holidays such as January 1 and December 2–3 can be identified in advance, the Gregorian dates of Islamic holidays remain dependent on the Hijri calendar and official moon sightings.
So, if you are planning annual leave or travel for 2027, these are the dates to watch.
## **UAE Public Holidays Expected in 2027**
### **New Year’s Day — January 1, 2027**
The first UAE public holiday of 2027 will fall on **Friday, January 1**.
For employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off, this creates the first long weekend of the year:
**Friday, January 1 to Sunday, January 3 — 3 days off**
Work would resume on Monday, January 4. ([Gulf News](https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/ask-us/uae-public-holidays-2027-1.500638729?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## **Eid Al Fitr — Expected March 2027**
Eid Al Fitr could deliver one of the most interesting holiday breaks of 2027.
Ramadan is currently expected to begin around **Monday, February 8, 2027**, based on astronomical calculations. However, the beginning and end of the holy month are ultimately determined by moon sighting. ([Khaleej Times](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/ramadan-eid-al-fitr-eid-al-adha-2027-likely-dates?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the official Eid Al Fitr holiday covers **Shawwal 1 to 3**.
There is an important additional rule: if Ramadan completes 30 days, **Ramadan 30 also becomes an official holiday**. ([UAE Legislation](https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/2595?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
This means the 2027 break could vary depending on the lunar calendar.
If Ramadan lasts 29 days, current projections place the holiday around:
**Tuesday, March 9 to Thursday, March 11**
If Ramadan completes 30 days, the holiday period could extend through:
**Friday, March 12**
With Saturday and Sunday immediately following, residents could potentially enjoy a break lasting **up to six consecutive days**. ([Khaleej Times](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-holidays-2027-possible-6-day-break-multiple-long-weekends-expected?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Exact dates will only be known once the relevant moon sighting is confirmed.
## **Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha — Expected May 15–18**
The next major UAE public-holiday period is expected in May.
Arafah Day is an official one-day holiday on **9 Dhu Al Hijjah**, followed immediately by three days for Eid Al Adha from **10 to 12 Dhu Al Hijjah**. ([UAE Legislation](https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/2595?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Current projections place the combined break around:
**Saturday, May 15 — Arafah Day**
**Sunday, May 16 — Eid Al Adha Day 1**
**Monday, May 17 — Eid Al Adha Day 2**
**Tuesday, May 18 — Eid Al Adha Day 3**
Sharjah’s official Hijri calendar also projects Arafah Day for May 15 and the first day of Eid Al Adha for May 16, although the dates remain subject to lunar confirmation. ([Khaleej Times](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/sharjah-distribute-new-hijri-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
For employees with a standard Saturday-Sunday weekend, part of this holiday is therefore expected to overlap with the weekend.
## **Hijri New Year — Expected June 6**
The UAE observes **1 Muharram**, the first day of the Islamic calendar, as an official public holiday.
It is currently expected to fall around **Sunday, June 6, 2027**. ([Gulf News](https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/ask-us/uae-public-holidays-2027-1.500638729?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Because the date is expected to fall on a Sunday, employees with a Saturday-Sunday weekend may not automatically receive an additional weekday off.
Under the current UAE public-holiday rules, a holiday cannot be transferred when it falls on the weekend. ([U.AE](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays?f2aee462_page=2&utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The final date will still depend on the sighting of the Muharram crescent.
## **Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday — Expected August 14**
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday is observed on **12 Rabi Al Awwal** and is a one-day UAE public holiday.
Current projections place the occasion around **Saturday, August 14, 2027**. ([Gulf News](https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/ask-us/uae-public-holidays-2027-1.500638729?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
If confirmed on Saturday, it would again coincide with the standard UAE weekend.
The exact Gregorian date remains subject to the Hijri calendar and official confirmation.
## **Eid Al Etihad — December 2 and 3**
One of the best long-weekend opportunities of 2027 arrives toward the end of the year.
The UAE’s Eid Al Etihad public holidays are fixed for **December 2 and December 3** under the country’s public-holiday framework. ([U.AE](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays?663d1f65_page=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com))
In 2027, these fall on:
**Thursday, December 2**
**Friday, December 3**
They are immediately followed by Saturday and Sunday.
That potentially gives employees with a standard weekend:
**Thursday, December 2 to Sunday, December 5 — 4 consecutive days off**
It could make Eid Al Etihad one of the easiest long weekends of 2027 to plan around.
## **How Many UAE Public Holiday Days Could There Be in 2027?**
Under the current public-holiday framework, the UAE provides:
**1 day** — Gregorian New Year
**3 days** — Eid Al Fitr
**+1 additional day** if Ramadan completes 30 days
**1 day** — Arafah Day
**3 days** — Eid Al Adha
**1 day** — Hijri New Year
**1 day** — Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
**2 days** — Eid Al Etihad
That means the calendar provides **12 public-holiday days**, potentially increasing to **13 if Ramadan lasts 30 days**. ([UAE Legislation](https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/2595?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The number of extra weekdays employees actually receive can be lower when holidays coincide with weekends.
## **Best UAE Long Weekends to Watch in 2027**
### **January — 3-Day Weekend**
New Year’s Day falls on Friday, potentially creating a straightforward three-day break from **January 1–3**.
### **March — Potential 6-Day Eid Break**
Eid Al Fitr could become one of 2027’s biggest breaks.
If Ramadan completes 30 days and the expected dates are confirmed, the public holiday could connect directly with the Saturday-Sunday weekend and create **up to six consecutive days off**. ([Khaleej Times](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-holidays-2027-possible-6-day-break-multiple-long-weekends-expected?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### **December — 4-Day Eid Al Etihad Weekend**
December 2 and 3 fall on Thursday and Friday.
Combined with Saturday and Sunday, this could create a **four-day weekend from December 2–5** without employees needing to use annual leave.
## **Can UAE Public Holidays Be Moved to Create Long Weekends?**
Potentially, but there are important restrictions.
Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 allows the UAE Cabinet to transfer certain public holidays to the **beginning or end of the week** through a separate decision. ([UAE Legislation](https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/2595?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
However, the rule does **not apply to the Eid holidays**.
The resolution also states that a public holiday cannot be transferred to another day when it coincides with another public holiday or falls on the weekend. ([U.AE](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays?f2aee462_page=2&utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Residents should therefore wait for official government announcements rather than assuming an expected holiday will automatically be moved.
## **Are UAE Public Holidays the Same for Private and Government Employees?**
The national public-holiday schedule under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 applies to **both the public and private sectors**. ([U.AE](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays?663d1f65_page=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Local governments may separately determine additional holidays for their own government departments and corporations where applicable. ([UAE Legislation](https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/2595?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Individual authorities and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation normally issue relevant announcements closer to major holidays.
## **Why the 2027 Islamic Holiday Dates Can Still Change**
Most of the dates above should currently be treated as planning estimates.
Islamic months follow the lunar Hijri calendar and contain either 29 or 30 days.
The beginning of a new Hijri month is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which means astronomical calculations are useful for planning but do not replace official UAE announcements.
This is particularly important for **Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha, Hijri New Year and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday**. The UAE Government explicitly notes that Islamic public holidays are determined according to moon sighting. ([U.AE](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays?663d1f65_page=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## **Planning Annual Leave Around UAE Holidays in 2027**
Residents looking to maximise their annual leave may want to pay particular attention to March and December.
Eid Al Fitr could potentially connect directly with a weekend, while Eid Al Etihad already falls immediately before the Saturday-Sunday weekend.
But travellers should avoid making expensive non-refundable plans solely around projected Islamic dates.
Flight and hotel bookings with flexible date-change or cancellation policies may be safer until the UAE officially confirms the relevant holidays.
## **UAE Public Holidays 2027 at a Glance**
**January 1:** New Year’s Day — confirmed calendar date
**Around March 9–12:** Eid Al Fitr holiday — expected, subject to moon sighting and Ramadan’s length
**Around May 15–18:** Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha — expected, subject to moon sighting
**Around June 6:** Hijri New Year — expected, subject to moon sighting
**Around August 14:** Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday — expected, subject to moon sighting
**December 2–3:** Eid Al Etihad — fixed calendar dates
For now, **January and December provide the clearest long-weekend opportunities**, while Eid Al Fitr could potentially deliver the longest continuous break.
## **FAQ**
### **How many public holidays will there be in the UAE in 2027?**
Under the current UAE framework, there are **12 public-holiday days**, potentially increasing to **13 days when Ramadan completes 30 days**. The number of additional working days off can vary because some holidays may fall on weekends. ([UAE Legislation](https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/2595?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### **When is Eid Al Fitr 2027 in the UAE?**
Eid Al Fitr is expected in **March 2027**. Depending on the length of Ramadan and moon sighting, the holiday could fall around March 9–11 or extend through March 12. Exact dates will be officially confirmed closer to Eid. ([Khaleej Times](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-holidays-2027-possible-6-day-break-multiple-long-weekends-expected?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### **Could UAE residents get a six-day holiday for Eid Al Fitr in 2027?**
Potentially. If Ramadan completes 30 days under the currently projected calendar, the additional holiday could connect the Eid break with the weekend, resulting in a break of up to six consecutive days. ([Khaleej Times](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-holidays-2027-possible-6-day-break-multiple-long-weekends-expected?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### **When is Eid Al Adha 2027 in the UAE?**
Current projections place **Arafah Day around May 15** and the first day of **Eid Al Adha around May 16, 2027**. Final dates remain subject to moon sighting. ([Khaleej Times](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/sharjah-distribute-new-hijri-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### **When is UAE National Day in 2027?**
The UAE’s Eid Al Etihad holidays are **December 2 and 3**. In 2027, these fall on Thursday and Friday, potentially creating a four-day break when combined with the weekend. ([U.AE](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays?663d1f65_page=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### **Are UAE public holidays the same for the private and public sectors?**
Yes. The national public holidays established under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 apply to both the UAE public and private sectors. ([UAE Legislation](https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/2595?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### **Are the 2027 UAE public holiday dates confirmed?**
The fixed Gregorian dates — **January 1 and December 2–3** — are established under the UAE public-holiday calendar. Gregorian dates for Islamic holidays are estimates until confirmed according to the Hijri calendar and official moon sightings. ([U.AE](https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/public-holidays-and-religious-affairs/public-holidays?663d1f65_page=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## **Information Resources**
**UAE Government – U.ae** — Official list of public holidays applicable to the public and private sectors and guidance on moon-sighting-based Islamic holidays.
**UAE Legislation** — Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 Concerning the Public Holidays in the State, including holiday entitlements and rules governing the transfer of holidays.
**Sharjah Islamic Affairs / Official Hijri Calendar** — Astronomical calendar projections for Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha and the 1449 Hijri New Year.
**Gulf News** — 2027 expected UAE public-holiday calendar and long-weekend projections.
**Khaleej Times** — Expected 2027 dates and analysis of potential long weekends.
## **Image Resources**
**UAE Government / Government Media Offices** — Official UAE public-holiday and national-occasion imagery.
**WAM – Emirates News Agency** — Official UAE event and public-holiday photography where available.
**Government of Dubai Media Office** — Official Dubai and UAE celebration imagery where applicable.
For Islamic holidays, use official UAE government or WAM imagery where possible rather than generic or incorrectly dated stock photographs.
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