UAE residents are celebrating an unexpected bonus this year as the government implements a new holiday transfer system.
What was originally a mid-week break for National Day (Eid Al Etihad) has been transformed into a seamless long weekend, perfect for travel, family, and relaxation.
The New “Holiday Swap” System Explained
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which took effect on January 1, 2025, the UAE government now has the authority to move certain mid-week public holidays to the beginning or end of the week.
The goal is to eliminate “interrupted” work weeks and give the community longer, continuous blocks of time off. While religious holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha remain fixed, national days and other observances are now eligible for this strategic shuffle.
Your 2026 Holiday Breakdown
For the most recent Eid Al Etihad, the official dates shifted from Tuesday/Wednesday to Monday/Tuesday, creating the following schedule:
|
Sector / Region |
Total Days Off | Holiday Dates |
Return to Work |
|
Public & Private Sectors |
4 Days | Nov 29 (Sat) – Dec 2 (Tue) |
Wed, Dec 3 |
|
Sharjah Residents |
5 Days | Nov 28 (Fri) – Dec 2 (Tue) |
Wed, Dec 3 |
| Schools (All Emirates) | 4 Days | Nov 29 (Sat) – Dec 2 (Tue) |
Wed, Dec 3 |
Quick FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
- Why did the dates change?
To avoid a mid-week work break and create a 4-day long weekend for better work-life balance.
2. Will this happen for every holiday?
Not necessarily. The Cabinet decides each year which holidays will be “transferred” based on where they fall in the calendar.
3. Does this apply to Sharjah?
Yes! However, because Sharjah already observes a Friday–Sunday weekend, their break is typically one day longer (5 days total).
4. What if a holiday falls on a weekend?
According to the law, if a holiday already coincides with a weekend, it cannot be transferred.