Quick answer: UAE National Day 2026, also called Eid Al Etihad, falls on Wednesday 2 December 2026. It marks 55 years since the UAE was founded. The public holiday is expected on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December for both the public and private sectors. Take Friday 4 December off and you get a five-day break. The government usually confirms the dates in mid-November, and we will update this page as soon as it does.
UAE National Day 2026 holiday dates
| Date | Day | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 30 November 2026 | Monday | Commemoration Day, honouring the UAE’s martyrs |
| 2 December 2026 | Wednesday | UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad), public holiday |
| 3 December 2026 | Thursday | Public holiday |
| 4 December 2026 | Friday | Working day for most (take it as leave for a long weekend) |
| 5 and 6 December 2026 | Saturday and Sunday | Weekend |
Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 sets the National Day holiday on 2 and 3 December each year, for the public and private sectors alike. The Cabinet can still move it. In 2025, the holiday was moved to Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December, and that change was only announced on 17 November. So book flights and hotels with free cancellation until the official confirmation.
How to turn National Day into a long weekend
| Leave days you take | Days off in a row | Break |
|---|---|---|
| None | 2 | Wednesday 2 to Thursday 3 December, then back to work on Friday |
| 1 (Friday 4 December) | 5 | Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 December |
| 3 (Monday 30 November, Tuesday 1 and Friday 4 December) | 9 | Saturday 28 November to Sunday 6 December |
The five-day option is the best value: one day of leave for five days off. With three days of leave you get nine days in a row, which is enough for a trip abroad.
Is National Day a holiday for the private sector?
Yes. Under the 2024 Cabinet resolution, private sector employees get the same National Day holiday as government employees. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirms the private sector dates each year.
If your employer needs you to work on a public holiday, UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) says you must get either another day off for each day worked, or your wage for that day plus at least 50% of your basic pay.
What is UAE National Day?
On 2 December 1971, six emirates joined to form the United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972. The day is now officially called Eid Al Etihad, which means Union Day. In 2026 the country celebrates its 55th National Day.
Commemoration Day on 30 November comes first. It honours Emiratis who gave their lives in service of the country.
Things to do in Dubai on National Day 2026
Fireworks
The 2026 fireworks venues will be announced closer to the date. In 2025, Dubai held National Day fireworks at The Beach JBR, Dubai Festival City Mall, Hatta, Souk Al Seef and Bluewaters, and the 2026 list is likely to be similar. Arrive early, because car parks near the waterfront fill up fast.
Global Village
Global Village holds Eid Al Etihad celebrations with performances and fireworks. Check our guide to Global Village 2026–27 tickets, timings and parking before you go.
Hatta and the mountains
Early December is perfect weather for Hatta. Go kayaking at Hatta Dam, hike or bike the trails, or book a mountain lodge. Leave early on the first holiday morning to avoid traffic on the Hatta road.
Finish the Dubai Fitness Challenge
The Dubai Fitness Challenge ends on 29 November with Dubai Yoga at Zabeel Park, just before the holiday. See our Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026 guide for Dubai Run and the other events.
Car decorations and parades
Many residents decorate their cars in the national colours. Each year Dubai Police publish rules for decorated cars, such as not covering number plates or windows and not carrying more passengers than the car allows. Check the rules before you decorate, because fines apply.
Parking, Salik and transport during the holiday
- Parking: in 2025, public parking in Dubai was free for the three days of the break, except multi-storey car parks and the Al Khail Gate N-365 zone. The RTA usually announces the 2026 arrangements in late November.
- Abu Dhabi: in 2025, public parking and Darb toll gates were free during the holiday.
- Metro and buses: expect large crowds near fireworks venues. The Metro is the easiest way to reach JBR, Dubai Festival City and Downtown.
Where to stay or live for the celebrations
Staying near the action means no parking stress. JBR and Dubai Marina put you next to The Beach fireworks. Dubai Festival City has waterfront views of its own show. Bluewaters and Downtown Dubai are busy with events all weekend.
For a short stay, browse holiday homes in Dubai on Viewit. Thinking longer term? Compare homes for rent and properties for sale, and read why Dubai rents are falling in 2026 for new tenants.
Frequently asked questions
When is UAE National Day 2026?
Wednesday 2 December 2026. It is the UAE’s 55th National Day.
How many days off for National Day 2026?
Two days are expected: Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026. With Friday 4 December as leave and the weekend, you get five days off.
Is the National Day holiday the same for the private sector?
Yes. The 2024 Cabinet resolution gives the public and private sectors the same National Day holiday. MoHRE confirms the dates each year.
Can the National Day holiday dates change?
Yes. The Cabinet can move the holiday. In 2025 it moved to 1 and 2 December, announced on 17 November. We will update this page when the 2026 dates are confirmed.
Is parking free in Dubai on National Day?
In 2025 it was free for three days, except multi-storey car parks and Al Khail Gate N-365. The 2026 decision is usually announced by the RTA in late November.
What is Eid Al Etihad?
Eid Al Etihad, or Union Day, is the official name for UAE National Day. It celebrates the founding of the UAE on 2 December 1971.
Checked on 1 November 2026. Holiday dates are based on Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 and will be confirmed by the UAE government. Parking and event details refer to 2025 unless stated, and the 2026 announcements are pending.