The UAE is expected to have 12 public holiday days in 2027 (13 if Ramadan lasts 30 days): New Year on 1 January, Eid al-Fitr from 9 March, Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha from 15 May, Hijri New Year on 6 June, the Prophet's Birthday on 14 August and Eid Al Etihad on 2–3 December. Private and public sectors share the same holidays.
The UAE uses one public holiday calendar for both government and private sector employees, set by Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024. Here are the expected dates for 2027, the long weekends, and what employers need to know.
UAE public holidays 2027: full list
| Holiday | Expected date | Day | Days off |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January | Friday | 1 |
| Eid al-Fitr | 9–11 March (to 12 March if Ramadan has 30 days) | Tuesday–Thursday | 3 (4) |
| Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha | 15–18 May | Saturday–Tuesday | 4 |
| Hijri New Year | 6 June | Sunday | 1 |
| Prophet's Birthday | 14 August | Saturday | 1 |
| Eid Al Etihad (National Day) | 2–3 December | Thursday–Friday | 2 |
Islamic holidays depend on the moon sighting and can move by a day. Dates on this page are expected, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar. We will update this page as soon as official dates are announced.
Download the UAE 2027 calendar (PDF) ↓
UAE long weekends in 2027
For teams on a Saturday–Sunday weekend:
- Eid al-Fitr: up to 6 days off (Tuesday 9 to Sunday 14 March) if Ramadan has 30 days.
- Eid al-Adha: 4 days (Saturday 15 to Tuesday 18 May), but two of them fall on the weekend.
- Eid Al Etihad: 4 days (Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 December).
- New Year: 3 days (Friday 1 to Sunday 3 January).
Under Resolution No. 27 of 2024, holidays other than Eid can be moved to the start or end of the week, so some dates may shift when they are confirmed.
What UAE employers must know
Under Article 28 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employees get full pay on official public holidays. If an employee has to work on one, the employer must give either a substitute day off for each day worked, or their normal pay plus at least 50% of their basic wage for that day.
A public holiday that falls on a weekend is not moved to a working day, so employees don't get an extra day off for it.
2027 planning checklist for HR and payroll
- Load the 2027 holiday calendar into your HR and payroll system now, and update it when official dates are announced.
- Set your policy for staff who must work on holidays, and agree in writing whether they get pay or a day off.
- Plan payroll cut-offs around Eid, since banks and teams may be closed.
- Ask employees to book leave around long weekends early, so cover is planned.
- Check WPS salary timing: under the 2026 rules salaries are due by the 1st of each month, including around the December holidays.
Related: GCC public holidays 2027 · UAE WPS rules 2026 · GCC leave law guide · Leave management software