The UAE's federal government has confirmed the dates for its biggest December celebration: public sector employees get Wednesday 2 December to Friday 4 December off for Eid Al Etihad 2026, which stacks with the weekend to create a five-day stretch. Work resumes on Monday 7 December. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced the dates via its official X account in mid-November.
Private sector workers are still waiting on their own confirmation, which typically follows closer to the date — worth watching if you're booking flights or hotels around the holiday.
So what's being celebrated? Eid Al Etihad (formerly known as UAE National Day or Union Day) marks 55 years since the country's founding in 1971. That year, six emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah — united to form the UAE, with Ras Al Khaimah joining a few months later on 10 February 1972 to complete the seven-emirate federation. December 2 is the annual celebration date, and the country marks it with events, fireworks and festivities across all emirates.
It's also the last public holiday of 2026 in the UAE. Anyone craving another long weekend won't have to wait long though: New Year's Day falls on Friday 1 January 2027, setting up a three-day weekend to start the new year.
Why does this matter to travellers? Early December is one of the best windows to visit the UAE — the summer heat is long gone, beach and desert weather is near-perfect, and National Day week brings extra events, light shows and a festive atmosphere in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The flip side: it's a peak domestic travel period, so Emiratis and residents travel heavily during the break. Book accommodation and inter-emirate transport early, and expect busier airports around 2 December and 7 December. If you want the celebrations without the biggest crowds, arriving just before the holiday and exploring Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah can be a smart move.
