UAE announces two-day National Day holiday for private sector employees

The UAE has announced a two-day public holiday for private-sector employees to mark the country's 55th National Day celebrations, known as Eid Al Etihad.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed on November 13 that private-sector employees will have December 2 and 3, 2026, off. The announcement followed confirmation of a three-day holiday for public-sector employees.

Residents looking to extend their break can take annual leave on Friday, December 4. With the weekend following, this would create a five-day break.

UAE marks 55 years of union

Eid Al Etihad, meaning ‘Celebration of the Union’, is observed on December 2 to commemorate the formation of the UAE in 1971, when the seven emirates came together to establish the federation.

The occasion brings together families and communities to celebrate the country's shared identity, heritage and achievements. This year's celebrations will focus on the families, generations and communities that have shaped the UAE over the past 55 years, highlighting the values and traditions connecting people across the emirates.

The celebrations also follow the UAE's Year of Family initiative, which has placed emphasis on family cohesion and strengthening relationships within the community.

UAE's transferable public holiday rules

Under a UAE law introduced in 2025, certain public holidays can be transferred to the beginning or end of a week when they fall midweek. The measure is intended to create longer consecutive breaks for residents.

In 2025, the UAE applied this provision to the Eid Al Etihad holiday for the first time. The holidays, initially scheduled for December 2 and 3, were moved to December 1 and 2, creating an extended four-day break for residents observing the Saturday-Sunday weekend.

For 2026, private-sector employees will receive December 2 and 3 as their official National Day holiday.