UAE National Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, 2 December, with the public holiday currently listed for Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December. The occasion, officially known as Eid Al Etihad, marks 55 years since the UAE was founded in 1971. Residents who take Friday, 4 December as annual leave could enjoy five consecutive days off, including the weekend. However, that extra day is not part of the currently listed official holiday.
Date: Wednesday, 2 December 2026
Official public holidays: Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December
Occasion: 55th Eid Al Etihad, also called UAE National Day or UAE Union Day
Five-day break: Possible by taking Friday, 4 December as annual leave, assuming a Saturday-Sunday weekend
Celebrations: National ceremonies, cultural activities and events across the seven emirates
Official theme: Spirit of the Union
UAE National Day, officially known as Eid Al Etihad, is the annual celebration of the country’s formation and the union of its emirates. It takes place on 2 December, commemorating the historic meeting in 1971 when the rulers of six emirates agreed to form the United Arab Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah joined the union in February 1972, completing the federation of seven emirates.
In 2026, the country celebrates its 55th Eid Al Etihad. The occasion recognises the UAE’s history, national identity and shared future. It is marked by official ceremonies, community activities, cultural programmes and public celebrations.
The name Eid Al Etihad means “Festival of the Union”. It reflects the idea of unity among the seven emirates and the people who call the UAE home. The official celebration website describes it as a national occasion that brings communities and generations together.
UAE National Day is celebrated throughout the United Arab Emirates every year on 2 December. In 2026, the date falls on a Wednesday.
The celebration takes place across all seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Each emirate may organise its own public events, cultural activities and family entertainment.
The UAE’s published public-holiday calendar lists two days for National Day 2026: Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December. The dates apply to both public and private sectors under the official government holiday list.
This means the standard National Day break is two days. Employees whose regular weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday can extend the break by taking Friday, 4 December as annual leave.
As of 10 November 2026, the official public-holiday listing still shows 2 and 3 December. The government can transfer certain public holidays through a Cabinet decision, so employees should check for any later announcement before making firm travel plans.
Many residents are searching for a UAE National Day five-day weekend in 2026. The dates make a five-day break possible, but it is important to distinguish between the official public holiday and annual leave.
The currently listed public holidays are Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December. If your normal weekend is Saturday and Sunday, taking Friday, 4 December off gives you five consecutive days away from work, from Wednesday through Sunday.
| Annual leave used | Suggested days off | Consecutive break |
|---|---|---|
|
0 days |
Wednesday, 2 December to Thursday, 3 December |
2 days |
|
1 day |
Add Friday, 4 December |
5 days |
This is a personal leave-planning option, not a government-declared five-day public holiday. Employees should confirm their workweek and leave approval with their employer. The Cabinet may transfer certain public holidays, but any change to the 2026 dates should be treated as unconfirmed until officially announced.
Eid Al Etihad celebrations bring together national ceremonies, Emirati heritage, cultural performances and community activities. The exact programme varies by emirate and organiser.
The official Eid Al Etihad website is the best place to check announcements about the national ceremony and the 55th anniversary programme. In September 2026, the organising team invited communities across the seven emirates to contribute to the year’s celebration through workshops focused on creativity, crafts and shared stories.
Dubai’s 2026 retail calendar lists Eid Al Etihad activities from 30 November to 3 December, including cultural showcases, fireworks, retail promotions and family activations. Specific event timings and locations should be checked with the organisers before visiting.
For the latest programme, check:
The official tourism and media channels of the other emirates
UAE National Day celebrations are open to people across the country. They offer residents, citizens and visitors an opportunity to learn about the UAE’s history and take part in the country’s national celebrations.
The official 55th Eid Al Etihad programme has also encouraged community participation, reinforcing that the celebration is for everyone who calls the UAE home.
UAE National Day is an important period for retailers, hospitality businesses, shopping centres, tourism operators and brands. The celebrations create opportunities to connect with residents and visitors through seasonal campaigns and local activities.
Dubai’s 2026 retail calendar specifically highlights retail promotions, family activations and opportunities for retailers to participate in the city’s event programme.
For businesses planning campaigns, timing matters. Start preparing creative assets and promotional schedules before the holiday period, then update customers when official event details and operating hours are confirmed.
The UAE’s National Day is more than a public holiday. It marks the formation of a federation that brought seven emirates together under one country.
The union began on 2 December 1971, when Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah came together. Ras Al Khaimah joined on 10 February 1972. The UAE Government identifies the official National Day theme as Spirit of the Union, reflecting the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Founding Fathers.
The federation established a shared national identity while preserving the heritage and character of each emirate.
The celebration recognises the leadership and vision behind the country’s formation, particularly the role of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Eid Al Etihad brings together citizens, residents and communities to reflect on the country’s journey and its future.
The 55th Eid Al Etihad celebrations are expected to bring communities together through national ceremonies, Emirati cultural activities, entertainment and family events. The official programme is being developed around the UAE’s shared identity and the stories of the people who live in the country.
Dubai’s 2026 retail calendar includes Eid Al Etihad activities between 30 November and 3 December, with cultural showcases, fireworks and family activations listed as part of the programme. Check the Dubai Media Office and event organisers for confirmed venues and timings.
National Day is celebrated across all seven emirates. The events and schedules are set locally, so check official channels before travelling to a particular venue.
Dubai’s 2026 retail calendar lists Eid Al Etihad activities from 30 November to 3 December. The programme includes cultural showcases, fireworks, retail promotions and family activations. Follow the Dubai Media Office for specific event announcements.
Abu Dhabi residents and visitors can check the Experience Abu Dhabi website for Eid Al Etihad activities, cultural attractions and family experiences. The official Eid Al Etihad website also shares national celebration updates.
Sharjah’s heritage attractions and cultural venues are useful places to check for National Day activities. Look for confirmed programmes through the Sharjah Government Media Bureau and local cultural authorities.
Check Ajman government and tourism channels for community celebrations, family events and local National Day announcements.
Ras Al Khaimah’s official tourism and government channels are the best sources for confirmed events, outdoor activities and local celebrations.
Residents and visitors can check Fujairah government channels for local cultural programmes and National Day activities.
Follow official Umm Al Quwain announcements for community events and family activities during the Eid Al Etihad period.
If you are planning to spend the UAE National Day holiday with family or friends, consider activities that let you experience the country’s culture and attractions.
Many shopping centres, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions remain open during UAE public holidays, although individual opening hours may change. Some businesses also run special National Day promotions.
Government offices generally observe the official public holiday. Essential services may continue operating, while customer-service centres and administrative departments may have different schedules.
Before visiting, check the relevant organisation’s website or contact its customer service team. Do not assume that every shop, attraction or government service will follow the same hours.
UAE National Day 2026 is on Wednesday, 2 December 2026. The occasion marks the 55th anniversary of the UAE’s formation in 1971.
The UAE Government’s published calendar lists Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December 2026 as National Day public holidays for the public and private sectors.
A five-day break is possible for employees whose weekend is Saturday and Sunday if they take Friday, 4 December as annual leave. The currently listed official public holiday is two days, not five.
Friday, 4 December is not included in the currently published National Day public-holiday dates. Employees may request it as annual leave to extend their break, subject to employer approval.
The UAE celebrates the 55th Eid Al Etihad in 2026. The union began on 2 December 1971, when six emirates came together. Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972.
Eid Al Etihad means “Festival of the Union”. It is the official name for the UAE’s national celebration and represents the unity of the seven emirates.
Dubai’s 2026 retail calendar lists fireworks among its Eid Al Etihad activities, but residents should check official event announcements for confirmed locations and timings. Check the relevant emirate’s official channels before travelling.
The UAE Government’s public-holiday page lists National Day on 2 and 3 December as applicable to both public and private sectors. Employees should still confirm any workplace-specific arrangements with their employer.
UAE National Day 2026 takes place on Wednesday, 2 December, with the currently listed public holiday continuing through Thursday, 3 December. The 55th Eid Al Etihad will be celebrated across all seven emirates through national ceremonies, cultural activities and community events.
For anyone planning a longer break, taking Friday, 4 December as annual leave could create a five-day weekend. Check official government announcements and local event listings before booking travel or making plans.
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