UAE National Day 2026 falls on Wednesday 2 December. It is also called Eid Al Etihad, and it marks the union of the emirates on 2 December 1971. This year is the 55th celebration. The public holiday is set for Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026, for both the government and the private sector. The Cabinet may still move it closer to the weekend, as it did last year. Below you will find the dates, how to stretch the break, where to watch fireworks in Dubai, what is open, traffic and parking, and 10 tips.
We checked the holiday rules on the official UAE government holidays page on 16 October 2026. Where something is not announced yet, we say so and give last year's arrangement instead.
Eid Al Etihad 2026, 55th National Day
UAE National Day 2026 leave planner
Two holidays in mid-week. Each leave day you add buys more days off.
Holidays on Wed 2 and Thu 3 December as listed now. If the Cabinet moves them, as in 2025, this plan changes.
Source: u.ae official holiday list (Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024), checked 16 October 2026. Move of the 2025 holiday: Khaleej Times.
When is UAE National Day 2026?
UAE National Day 2026 is on Wednesday 2 December 2026. The official holiday is two days: 2 and 3 December. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the same holiday list applies to government staff and private-sector employees.
The celebration has a theme each year. On 8 October 2026 the government unveiled the visual identity for the 55th Eid Al Etihad. It is built around families and shared memories, because 2026 is the UAE's Year of Family. Event news is posted on the official site, eidaletihad.ae.
How many days off do you get for Eid Al Etihad 2026?
You get two paid days off: Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December. The UAE weekend is Saturday and Sunday for most workers, as explained in our guide to the Saturday-Sunday working week. So the holiday lands in the middle of the week.
A rule from 2025 allows the Cabinet to move a mid-week holiday to the start or end of the week. It used that rule for the first time last year. The Eid Al Etihad 2025 holiday was moved from Tuesday and Wednesday to Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December, as Khaleej Times reported. For 2026, no move has been announced yet.
Here is how leave days stretch the UAE National Day holiday if the dates stay as they are:
| Leave days you take | Which days | Days off in a row |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | None | 2 (Wed 2 and Thu 3 Dec) |
| 1 | Friday 4 Dec | 5 (Wed 2 to Sun 6 Dec) |
| 3 | Mon 30 Nov, Tue 1 Dec, Fri 4 Dec | 9 (Sat 28 Nov to Sun 6 Dec) |
Wait for the official announcement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) before you book flights. If the holiday moves, the leave math changes too.
Where to watch the National Day fireworks in Dubai
The 2026 fireworks schedule is not announced yet. Organisers usually publish it in November. Last year, Gulf News listed these Dubai shows:
| Place | Last year (2025) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| The Beach, JBR | 2 December at 9pm | Free |
| Global Village | 1 to 3 December at 9pm, plus drone shows | Entry ticket |
Global Village also staged a dance show, From the Desert to the Stars, and traditional Yola and Harbiya performances. The free beach spot fills up early. At JBR, the waterfront of Bluewaters Island also gives a good view.
What is open and closed on UAE National Day
Government offices close on both holiday days. Last year, RTA customer centres closed too, while its smart service centres stayed open around the clock.
Malls, beaches, parks and most attractions stay open. Global Village opened Season 31 on 14 October 2026, stays open until 1am on public holidays, and entry costs about AED 25 to 30 in 2026. Private clinics, supermarkets and restaurants usually keep normal or longer hours. Your bank branch may close, so plan any counter visit for another day.
Traffic, parking and the Metro on the National Day holiday
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announces holiday timings each year, usually in late November. The 2026 timings are not out yet.
Last year, for the holiday on 1 and 2 December 2025, Gulf News reported that the RTA:
- ran the Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines from 5am to 1am the next day
- ran the Dubai Tram from 6am to 1am the next day
- made public parking free during the holiday
Expect heavy traffic near JBR, Downtown and Global Village on the evening of 2 December. Check the RTA website for this year's plan before you drive.
10 tips for UAE National Day 2026 in Dubai
1. Wait for the official dates before you book
Flights out of Dubai get expensive fast around a long weekend. Book once MoHRE confirms the Eid Al Etihad 2026 dates.
2. Go early to free fireworks spots
The beach at JBR fills up hours before the 9pm show. Bring water and something to sit on.
3. Take the Metro, not the car
Parking near the big spots runs out on the night. The Metro was open until 1am last year.
4. Follow the car decoration rules
Police publish rules for decorated cars each year. In past years they banned covering number plates and windows, and changing the car's colour. Gulf News reported a Dh2,000 fine, 12 black points and confiscation for reckless driving during celebrations. Our guide to common fines in Dubai covers the everyday ones.
5. Skip the party spray
In past years, Abu Dhabi Police banned party sprays at National Day celebrations. Celebrate with flags and scarves instead.
6. Wear the colours
Red, green, white and black are everywhere. A scarf or a flag pin is enough. Our Dubai dress code guide explains what to wear in malls and on the beach.
7. Check if you must work
Private-sector staff get the holiday paid. If your employer needs you to work, UAE labour law gives you another day off or extra pay. Business owners can read our guide to UAE labour law for employers before planning shifts.
8. Book holiday brunches and tables now
Restaurants with a view of the fireworks sell out first. Booking a month ahead is normal.
9. Try an Emirati heritage show
Last year Global Village added Emirati dances, food and crafts for National Day, plus drone shows. It is a good evening for children and first-time visitors.
10. Watch the official channels
Check eidaletihad.ae, the RTA and MoHRE in the last two weeks of November. That is when the dates, timings and fireworks list usually come out.
UAE National Day 2026, status on 16 October
What is confirmed, and what you still have to wait for
Plan with the green column. Treat the other two as a guide until the official news comes out.
Confirmed
- 55th Eid Al Etihad on Wednesday 2 December
- Holiday listed for 2 and 3 December
- Same holiday for government and private sector
- Theme: families, in the UAE Year of Family
- Global Village open until 1am on public holidays
Not announced yet
- Whether the Cabinet moves the holiday nearer the weekend
- 2026 fireworks list and times
- RTA Metro and Tram hours
- Free parking days
- Police rules for decorated cars
Last year's guide (2025)
- Holiday moved to Mon 1 and Tue 2 Dec
- Fireworks at JBR on 2 Dec at 9pm
- Global Village fireworks 1 to 3 Dec at 9pm
- Metro 5am to 1am
- Public parking free during the holiday
When to check again: the last two weeks of November, on eidaletihad.ae, rta.ae and the MoHRE channels.
Sources: u.ae, WAM (8 Oct 2026), globalvillage.ae, Khaleej Times and Gulf News reports on the 2025 holiday.
