UAE Employees Could Secure Nine-Day Break in December
UAE employees are around five weeks away from a potential nine-day break around National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, if their employers approve three days of annual leave.
Eid Al Etihad falls on Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3, in 2026. Employees with Saturday-Sunday weekends can combine the two public holidays with consecutive weekends to secure nine days off.
How Employees Can Secure a Nine-Day Holiday
Workers would need to take annual leave on Monday, November 30, Tuesday, December 1, and Friday, December 4, 2026.
These three leave days connect the November 28-29 weekend with the two official Eid Al Etihad holidays, followed by another weekend on December 5-6.
Employees working a standard Monday-to-Friday schedule could therefore enjoy nine consecutive days off, from Saturday, November 28, through Sunday, December 6.
Only three working days would need to be covered by annual leave. However, approval depends on employer policies, staffing requirements, existing leave requests and operational needs.
Employees planning flights or hotel stays should obtain approval before making non-refundable bookings. Those working shifts or following different weekly rest days will need to calculate their leave according to their individual schedules.
National Day Holidays Apply to Public and Private Sector Employees
UAE government guidance identifies December 2 and 3 as National Day public holidays for employees across the public and private sectors.
The two-day holiday forms part of the UAE’s official public holiday calendar. Private sector employees are entitled to paid leave on officially observed public holidays.
Under UAE Labour Law, employers that require private sector employees to work during an official public holiday must provide a substitute rest day or follow the applicable additional payment arrangements.
Federal government entities may receive separate working instructions through official circulars issued closer to major holidays.
Eid Al Etihad commemorates the formation of the UAE in 1971. The occasion is marked by celebrations and official events across all seven emirates, making December the final scheduled public holiday period of 2026.
Employees Should Await Final Holiday Confirmations
UAE regulations allow certain public holidays, excluding Eid holidays, to be moved to the beginning or end of a working week through a government decision.
Current government guidance lists Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 3, as the National Day holidays for 2026.
Employees should follow official announcements before finalising their travel arrangements. Authorities may issue additional notices outlining working arrangements for federal government entities and private sector employees closer to the holiday.
Any changes to the observed dates could affect leave calculations. Employees should also account for differences in weekend arrangements across organisations.
Workers whose weekly rest days fall on Friday and Saturday will need to consider different annual leave dates. Employees on rotating shifts should consult their published schedules before submitting leave requests.
Company policies will determine whether November 30, December 1, and December 4 can be approved together.
Public and private sector employees should check their employers’ final communications to confirm approved leave, working days and return dates.
Five-Week Countdown Puts Holiday Planning in Focus
With October 22 marking just over five weeks until the extended break begins on Saturday, November 28, employees are being encouraged to plan their leave requests early.
Workers hoping to secure all nine days off must coordinate three annual leave days around the National Day public holidays. Submitting requests early gives employers more time to organise staffing and arrange departmental cover.
Travel demand may also increase as the fixed public holiday dates align with consecutive weekends. Securing leave approval in advance can provide greater certainty before booking flights or accommodation.
Employees who receive approval for November 30, December 1, and December 4 could enjoy nine consecutive days off without using an entire working week of annual leave.
Eid Al Etihad remains the final scheduled public holiday in the UAE’s 2026 calendar. The next public holiday is New Year’s Day, which falls on Friday, January 1, 2027.