UAE workers have five weeks to plan a nine-day break around National Day, or Eid Al Etihad, if they secure employer approval for three days of annual leave. The holiday falls on December 2 and 3, 2026, and employees with Saturday-Sunday weekends can combine it with two weekends to create nine consecutive days off.
How to stack leave for nine days off
To achieve this, workers need annual leave on Monday, November 30, Tuesday, December 1, and Friday, December 4. These dates bridge the weekend of November 28–29 with the National Day holidays, followed by another weekend on December 5–6. Employees on a Monday-to-Friday schedule can stay off from November 28 through December 6, requiring only three working days of leave.
Government Flexibility and Worker Considerations for Holiday Scheduling
UAE regulations permit certain public holidays to move to the start or end of a workweek, though this requires official government approval. For Eid Al Etihad, December 2 and 3 remain the confirmed dates in current guidance, but adjustments could affect leave calculations. Employees must account for variations in weekend structures, as rest days differ between employers.
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Holiday rules apply across all sectors
December 2 and 3 are official public holidays for both public and private sector workers. Private sector employees receive paid leave on these dates, while employers must compensate staff who work during holidays with either an additional rest day or extra pay. Government entities receive specific instructions closer to the holiday period.
Eid Al Etihad marks the UAE’s formation in 1971, with celebrations held nationwide. December’s holiday period is the final scheduled break of 2026, followed by New Year’s Day on January 1, 2027.
With October 22 marking the five-week countdown, employees should act quickly to secure the three required annual leave days. This approach avoids using a full week of leave while maximizing consecutive time off. Travel demand often peaks around public holidays, so confirmed leave ensures flexibility for bookings.
