UAE residents could enjoy several extended breaks in 2027, with the length of Ramadan playing a key role in determining the total number of public holidays during the year.
Under the UAE’s official holiday calendar, residents can receive up to 13 paid public holiday days in a year. The total can vary depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
For employees planning holidays, travel or family time, understanding how Islamic holidays align with weekends can help make the most of the year ahead.
How Ramadan affects UAE public holidays
When Ramadan lasts 30 days, the UAE can have a total of 13 public holiday days. If the holy month lasts 29 days, the total falls to 12 days.
The annual holiday schedule includes New Year’s Day, Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha, Hijri New Year, the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and Eid Al Etihad.
An additional day at the end of Ramadan is included when the fasting month completes 30 days.
The final dates of Islamic holidays depend on official moon-sighting announcements, meaning projected dates should be treated as estimates until confirmed by authorities.
What the 2027 UAE holiday calendar could look like
The 2027 calendar is expected to provide residents with several opportunities to create longer breaks by combining public holidays with weekends.
New Year’s Day is projected to fall on Friday, January 1, 2027, potentially giving residents a three-day weekend.
Eid Al Fitr is currently expected around March 9. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, the holiday could provide three days off through March 11. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, an additional holiday could extend the break to March 12, potentially creating a six-day break when combined with the weekend.
Another extended break could come around Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, currently expected to provide four days off from May 15 to May 18, subject to confirmation.
In December, Eid Al Etihad is expected to bring another potential four-day weekend, with the two-day public holiday projected for December 2 and 3.
Annual leave and public holidays: What employees should know
Public holidays are separate from annual leave, although their treatment can depend on when they fall during an employee’s approved leave period.
Private-sector employees who have completed one year of service are generally entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave, in addition to paid public holidays observed in the UAE.
However, a public holiday that falls during annual leave may be counted as part of that leave unless the employment contract or company policy provides more favourable conditions.
Employees should therefore check their company’s leave policy before finalising travel plans or assuming that a public holiday will automatically be added to their annual leave balance.
Will residents travel during the long breaks?
For many UAE residents, an extended public holiday offers a chance to travel abroad. Others may prefer to remain in the country and use the break for a staycation, family gatherings or simply some extra rest.
The length of the holiday often determines the choice. A four- or six-day break may make an international trip worthwhile, while shorter breaks could be better suited to local plans.
2027 holidays remain subject to official confirmation
Although the projected 2027 calendar offers several attractive long-weekend opportunities, residents should avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements based solely on estimated Islamic holiday dates.
Moon sightings and official government announcements will determine the confirmed dates of Ramadan-related and other Islamic holidays.
For UAE residents, the best approach is to use the current calendar as an early planning guide and wait for official confirmation before submitting leave requests or booking expensive travel.
Dubai Herald will continue to provide updates on UAE public holidays, long weekends, travel planning and official announcements.
