The year is almost over, and the UAE has just one public holiday left. UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, is celebrated every year on December 2 and marks the 1971 unification of the emirates.
This year it lands in the middle of the week, which is actually good news. With some smart planning, a short two-day holiday can become a proper break, depending on how many annual leave days you have left.
How Long Is the National Day Holiday?
The official public holiday is two days, December 2 and 3, for both the public and private sectors. In 2026, those dates fall on a Wednesday and a Thursday.
There’s a catch, though. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the Cabinet can move certain public holidays to the start or end of the week through an official decision. If that happens, the holiday would join the weekend and give residents a four-day break. The rule has exceptions, so it’s best to wait for the official announcement before you book anything.
Option 1: Take One Day Off for a Five-Day Break
If the holiday stays on Wednesday and Thursday, you can take Friday, December 4, as annual leave.
That gives you five days in a row, from Wednesday, December 2 to Sunday, December 6. It covers the two public holidays, your leave day, and the weekend. It’s a good pick if you’ve already used most of your leave but still want a longer break.
Option 2: Take Two Days Off for a Six-Day Break
If you have two days of leave to spare, take Monday, November 30, and Tuesday, December 1.
Put those next to the weekend before them and the two National Day holidays, and you get six days off in a row, from Saturday, November 28 to Thursday, December 3. You’d go back to work on Friday, December 4, assuming your normal week runs from Monday to Friday.
Option 3: Take Three Days Off for a Nine-Day Break
This is the big one. Take Monday, November 30; Tuesday, December 1; and Friday, December 4, as annual leave.
That links the weekend before, two leave days, the two public holidays, one more leave day, and the weekend after. The result is nine days off in a row, from Saturday, November 28, to Sunday, December 6.
The Three Options at a Glance
| Leave days used | Leave dates | Your break | Days off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friday, December 4 | Wednesday, December 2 to Sunday, December 6 | 5 |
| 2 | Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1 | Saturday, November 28 to Thursday, December 3 | 6 |
| 3 | Monday, November 30, Tuesday, December 1 and Friday, December 4 | Saturday, November 28 to Sunday, December 6 | 9 |
Check With Your Employer First
Before you book flights or hotels, check your company’s annual leave policy. Some employers need requests to be submitted well in advance, and busy teams may have limits on how many people can be off at once.
Send your request through your company’s official leave system, and do it early. Under UAE Labour Law, private sector employees have annual leave entitlements, and public holidays are separate paid days off. So the public holidays shouldn’t be taken out of your leave balance.
Remember too that these plans are based on the current calendar and aren’t confirmed. The final dates will be announced by the relevant UAE government departments for both the public and private sectors, so keep your bookings flexible until then.
A Few Planning Tips
Book early if you plan to travel. Long weekends are popular, and flights and hotels tend to fill up and get more expensive as the date gets closer. Choose refundable or changeable bookings where you can, in case the holiday dates shift.
If you’re leaving the country, check your documents well before the trip. Your Emirates ID is the main proof of identity in the UAE, and a lost or expired card can cause stress at the worst moment. If yours is missing or being renewed, here are four free ways to access your digital Emirates ID on your phone.
It also helps to know where you stand at work. If you’re new to the UAE or changing jobs, our guide on which of the 13 UAE work permits applies to you explains each type in simple words.
Staying Home? Plenty to Do
You don’t need to travel to enjoy a long break. National Day usually brings events, shows, and family activities across the emirates, and the cooler weather makes outdoor plans much easier. A nine-day stretch also gives you time to catch up on rest, visit friends, or finally tick off the things you keep putting off.
With National Day on a Wednesday and Thursday, a few leave days can go a long way. One day gets you five days off, two days get you six, and three days get you a full nine. Just check your employer’s rules, wait for the official dates, and book smart. It could be the perfect way to close out 2026.