UAE National Day 2026: dates, holiday and what to plan

Property Finder and Gulf News both give 2 and 3 December 2026, a Wednesday and Thursday, as the National Day public holiday. The theme for the 55th National Day is Spirit of the Union.

Taking Friday 4 December as leave would make a five-day break. Dates can be adjusted by official announcement, so check the government's notices closer to the time.

In past years the pattern has been fireworks and drone shows at major landmarks and festivals, flag displays on buildings and cars, heritage performances and concerts. Global Village has held nightly fireworks on the holiday, and Sheikh Zayed Festival ran Union Day celebrations and a parade last season. We have not seen the 2026 programme, so we do not list specifics.

Global Village and the DXB Winter Festival both plan National Day programming, and the Dubai Shopping Festival begins on 4 December.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix runs 3 to 6 December. Andrea Bocelli plays on 2 December at Etihad Arena. Hotels in Abu Dhabi are likely to be tight over the whole stretch, so book early.