Official Announcement: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the New Year paid public holiday for 2026.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be a paid public holiday for employees across the UAE. This announcement applies to both public and private sector workers, aligning with the UAE’s official public holiday framework.
Additionally, the federal authorities have also confirmed that public sector employees will be allowed to work remotely on Friday, January 2, 2026. However, private sector employees working on-site may be required to report to work as usual on January 2, depending on company policy.
The 2026 Holiday Calendar (Quick View)
To help residents plan ahead, here’s a list we personally complied for your reference so you can plan for the UAE public holidays in 2026, including expected timeframes based on the Islamic calendar. Final dates remain subject to official moon sighting announcements.
● New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026
● Eid Al Fitr – Expected late March 2026 (subject to moon sighting)
● Arafat Day – Expected late May 2026
● Eid Al Adha – Expected late May to early June 2026
● Islamic New Year – Expected mid to late June 2026
● Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday – Expected early September 2026
● Commemoration Day – Tuesday, December 1, 2026
● UAE National Day – Wednesday & Thursday, December 2–3, 2026
With several holidays expected to fall close to weekends, long weekends UAE 2026 remain highly likely, especially for residents who plan annual leave strategically around these periods.
Note: This blog is not responsible for any changes or variations, as the information is updated periodically. The above list is based on expected timelines and predictions. All users are advised to regularly check announcements from government websites and other official sources to stay updated.
Why the Government Took This Initiative: Long Weekends UAE 2026
The UAE government continues to emphasize the well-being, motivation, and commitment of both private and public sector employees. By clearly defining paid public holidays and allowing flexible arrangements such as remote work where possible, the initiative reflects a balance between productivity and employee welfare.
After the designated holidays, employees are expected to resume on-site work and report as usual, ensuring operational continuity while still benefiting from well-structured rest periods.
Bottom Line: Plan Ahead for 2026
2026 means you’re ready for smart planning, meaning an extended time off. By combining a few annual leave days with official holidays like New Year holiday Dubai 2026, residents can enjoy longer breaks without using excessive leave.
Many residents use this period for:
● Short staycations across Dubai or the Northern Emirates
● International travel during extended weekends
● Property viewings and relocation planning while offices operate on lighter schedules
The New Year holiday often sees increased interest in ready-to-move homes, as families take time to plan relocations or upgrades for the year ahead.
Are you ready to plan ahead for the upcoming holidays? Check out AZCO’s latest ready-to-move listings and take advantage of the New Year break to secure your next home with ease. 2025 is almost over, so it’s better late than never. Contact us today.
Dubai, the gem of the Middle East, is preparing for yet another spectacular celebration of Eid-al-Fitr in 2024. Families and tourists are spoilt for choice as the city comes alive with activities during this season offering a lot of unforgettable experiences and colorful attractions. There is something for everyone from adventure-filled excursions to cultural exploration and lavish hideaways for Dubai’s discerning travelers.
The following is a breakdown of some of the best places that will make your stay in Dubai during this Eid holiday one you will never forget.
1. IMG Worlds of Adventure: Where Thrills Await
IMG Worlds of Adventure, the largest indoor theme park in the world, provides an opportunity to embark on an epic adventure. If you thought thrilling rides were only meant for Disneyland, think again! This heart-stopping ride through fantasy world where Marvel superheroes like Spiderman and Thor fights villains can leave you breathless.
Top activities include thrilling rides, live entertainment, and themed zones (Marvel, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, Lost Valley).
Timings
Sunday to Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Ticket Prices
AED 299 for adults.
AED 249 for children (online rates, prices may vary).
2. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark: Dive into Fun
It’s no secret that water parks are at their best when it’s hot outside, so it only makes sense that Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark should be located on Palm Jumeirah which is known for its summer humidity to cool off visitors. This aquatic center has everything from thrilling waterslides perfect for adrenaline junkies to calm river rides ideal if all you need is peace; add friendly dolphins swimming near humans – who wouldn’t want such kind companions?
Top activities include River rides, Water slides, River rides, Marine animal encounters, Beach access.
Timings
Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket Prices
AED 320 for adults
AED 275 for children (online rates, prices may vary).
3. The Dubai Mall/Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Retail Therapy and Aquatic Wonders
Just before getting tired from spending too much money at luxury shops and fancy restaurants inside malls across UAE just head over to ‘The World’s Largest Shopping Destination,’ which also includes seeing an amazing underwater zoo full of colorful fish! While shopping at The Dubai Mall can be exhausting because it is the biggest shopping mall globally, visiting Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo will make your trip worthwhile.
Top activities include shopping, dining, Dubai Aquarium visit, underwater zoo experiences.
Timings
Mall: Daily, 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Aquarium: Sun-Wed: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Thu-Sat: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Ticket Prices
Mall entry is free.
Dubai Aquarium tickets start from AED 175.
4. Wild Wadi Waterpark: Splash into Family Fun
Wild Wadi Waterpark offers a great day of fun for the entire family with its mesmerizing water slides, interactive water plays area and a view of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah you cannot find anywhere else. From adrenaline pumping rides to relaxation, it is the ultimate aquatic adventure in Dubai.
Top activities include thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, interactive water play areas, and family-friendly attractions.
Timings
Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Ticket Prices
Range from AED 175 to AED 245.
5. La Mer Dubai: Sun, Sand, & Style
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live near an ocean but still enjoy luxury city life? If yes, then come visit La Mer Dubai where sun shines brightly on sands making them glitter under high-end residential buildings overlooking trendy cafes at beachfront properties just perfect for water sport enthusiasts or simply enjoying some time out amidst cool urban vibes.
Top activities include beach activities, water sports, and dining.
Timings
Daily: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Ticket Prices
Free entry, Activities Priced Separately
6. Dubai Miracle Garden: Blooms & Beauty
Visiting a place full of flowers and butterflies could help you relieve stress from the daily hustle-bustle routine; this place called ‘Miracle Gardens’ located within Desert City might do wonders in that regard. This awesome garden has countless blooms as well as beautiful structures that will take your breath away while capturing those Instagram worthy photos next to giant statues made entirely out flower petals!
Top activities include floral displays, themed gardens, and photo opportunities.
Timings
Sunday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Ticket Prices
AED 55 for adults.
AED 40 for children (online rates, prices may vary).
7. Ski Dubai: Snowy Adventures in the Desert
To escape hot weather conditions during summer months people also go skiing indoors on artificial slopes found at Ski Dubai resort which serves this purpose too being Middle Eastern region’s first hotel offering such facilities. Do you love cold weather? Then Ski Dubai could be your winter paradise with activities from snowboarding through ski park games up close viewings into penguins’ kingdom like no other place.
Top activities include skiing, snowboarding, snow park, penguin encounters.
Timings
Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Ticket Prices
Starting from AED 250 for snow park access.
8. Dinner Cruise at Dubai Canal: Romance on the Water
If you want to have dinner while sailing gently down one of world’s most picturesque canals surrounded by skyscrapers lit up golden against night sky, then hop aboard a romantic dinner cruise on Dubai Canal. It is a memorable date for any couple with stunning views of city lights, gourmet cuisine prepared by our chefs and other amenities that will make it an unforgettable experience.
Top activities include dinner cruise, sightseeing along the canal and live entertainment.
Timings
Varies based on cruise provider, usually in the evening.
Ticket Prices
Starting from AED 200 per person.
9. Dubai Desert Safari: Thrills in the Dunes
What’s more exciting than riding camels or driving through sand dunes? Maybe nothing except when you find yourself in Dubai where there are opportunities for quad-biking across golden deserts and thrilling 4×4 rides on SUVs that will leave your heart racing as if it were about to burst!
Top activities include dune bashing, camel riding, desert camp activities, BBQ dinner.
Timings
Morning safaris: Start around sunrise (between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM).
Evening safaris: Begin in the late afternoon (around 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM).
Typically, last for around 6 hours.
Prices
Prices can vary depending on the tour operator and activities included, generally ranging from AED 150 to AED 400 per person.
10. Hatta Resorts: Nature’s Playground
The Hatta Wadi hub is a place where you can escape to the mountains and valleys for outdoor activities such kayaking, zip lining; trekking etc. Then there are those who like cycling along tortuous tracks high up above ground level just below summit peaks waiting them at every corner while others prefer hiking across virgin forests laden with wild vegetation all around footprints where they step inside, but this makes sense…Why stay indoors too long when we have everything out here already?
Top activities include adrenaline activities, such as
Giant swing, zipline, whitewater kayaking
Nature Adventures: Hiking, mountain biking
Family Fun: Wall climbing, axe throwing (for ages 16+)
Timings
Most activities operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Prices
Prices vary depending on the activity, ranging from AED 30 to AED 175 per person.
11. Jumeirah Beach: Sun, Sand, & Sea
This is a great place where you can relax and be free at Jumeirah Beach, a pristine sand beach that touches the crystal-clear waters. It is a perfect place for water sports and eating on the beach; it’s actually Dubai’s best holiday spot on the coast.
Top activities include Parasailing, Jet Skiing, Banana Boating, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Scuba Diving (with certification), Flyboarding.
Timings
Beach area timings vary depending on the season (generally 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
Prices
Prices for water sports vary depending on the activity and duration, ranging from AED 150 to AED 500 per person.
12. Dubai Fountain Show: A Symphony of Light and Water
Watch out for this wonderful show at the Dubai Fountain –it is a symphony of lights and water held every half an hour. The setting of this event is at Burj Khalifa Lake where everyone must visit irrespective of their age.
Top activities include spectacular fountain shows with music and lights.
Timings
Evening shows start from 6:00 PM, every 30 minutes.
Ticket Prices
Free to watch from public areas, VIP viewing available at restaurants.
13. JW Marriott Marquis: Luxury Redefined
Pamper yourself with a luxurious stay at Dubai’s foremost hotel, JW Marriott Marquis, which provides extravagant quarters and world class amenities. It has everything from spa treatments to gourmet dining as well as all other things that can make one feel hospitable.
Top activities include luxury hotels stay and dining at renowned restaurants.
Timings
14. Motiongate Dubai: A Cinematic Adventure
At Motiongate Dubai you are fully immersed into moviemaking magic where major blockbusters come alive on screen. Thrilling rides and family friendly experiences are some of what makes it a journey through cinema that you cannot miss out on.
Top activities include movie-themed rides, Entertainment shows, Family-friendly experiences.
Timings
Sunday to Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Ticket Prices
AED 295 for adults.
AED 275 for children (online rates, prices may vary).
15. Museum of The Future Dubai: Explore Tomorrow Today
The Museum of The Future takes visitors inside tomorrow –a visionary marvel with interactive exhibits showcasing cutting edge innovations in technology. It offers an insight into how technology will shape the future in terms of creativity within Dubai.
Top activities include futuristic exhibits, technology showcases and interactive experiences.
Timings
Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Fridays.
Ticket Prices
AED 50 for adults.
AED 30 for children (online rates, prices may vary).
Dubai offers many options this Eid al Fitr- From thrilling theme parks to beautiful beaches and cultural attractions- for experiencing both adventure or relaxation depending upon your choice. So get ready to witness magic like never before in 2024!
