UAE National Day holidays 2026: How to get 9 days off with just 3 days of annual leave

Dubai: The UAE's final public holiday of 2026 will be National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, giving residents another opportunity to enjoy an extended break before the year ends.

With some advance planning, employees can turn the two-day public holiday into a longer vacation by using just one, two or three days of annual leave.

Depending on their work schedule and available leave balance, residents could enjoy up to nine consecutive days off by combining public holidays, annual leave and weekends.

Here's how UAE employees can plan their National Day break in 2026.

When Is the UAE National Day Holiday in 2026?

The UAE's National Day public holiday is officially scheduled for December 2 and 3, 2026, covering both public and private sector employees.

In 2026, these dates fall on Wednesday and Thursday.

However, there is a possibility that the holiday could be shifted to the beginning or end of the week.

Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the UAE Cabinet can transfer eligible public holidays to the beginning or end of the week through an official decision.

This provision does not apply to Eid holidays.

If the dates remain unchanged, residents can use their annual leave strategically to enjoy a longer break.

Option 1: Take One Annual Leave Day for a Five-Day Break

Employees who want a short getaway without using too much annual leave can take Friday, December 4, off.

By combining this leave day with the two National Day public holidays and the weekend, employees can enjoy five consecutive days away from work.

5 Days Off

Using just 1 annual leave day

This option is suitable for employees who have limited annual leave but still want to enjoy a short holiday.

Option 2: Take Two Annual Leave Days for a Six-Day Break

Employees with two annual leave days available can plan an extended break by taking Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1 off.

Combining these days with the preceding weekend and the two National Day holidays will provide six consecutive days away from work.

6 Days Off

Using 2 annual leave days

Employees following a Monday-to-Friday working schedule would return to work on Friday, December 4.

Option 3: Take Three Annual Leave Days for a Nine-Day Break

For employees looking to enjoy the longest possible holiday, taking three annual leave days is the best option under this arrangement.

Employees can request Monday, November 30, Tuesday, December 1 and Friday, December 4 as annual leave.

This arrangement combines the weekends on both sides with the National Day public holidays to create nine consecutive days away from work.

9 Days Off

Using 3 annual leave days

This gives employees a nine-day break from Saturday, November 28, to Sunday, December 6, making it a suitable opportunity for international travel, family visits or a relaxing holiday.

Check Your Company's Annual Leave Policy Before Booking

Before making travel arrangements, employees should check their company's annual leave policy and confirm whether their requested dates can be approved.

Some employers may have operational requirements or internal deadlines for submitting leave applications. Planning early can help employees secure their preferred dates and avoid last-minute changes.

Under UAE Labour Law, private-sector employees are entitled to annual leave based on their length of service. Public holidays are separate paid days off and do not normally require employees to use their annual leave balance.

Plan Your UAE National Day Holiday in Advance

The 2026 UAE National Day holiday offers residents an opportunity to enjoy a longer break without using too many annual leave days.

Whether employees choose one, two or three leave days, careful planning can help them make the most of the final public holiday of the year.

However, the extended-break calculations above assume that December 2 and 3 remain the official holiday dates and that employees follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend schedule. Residents should wait for official announcements and confirm leave approval before booking flights or accommodation.