UAE Cabinet
Pending Review · Scope: public
Recorded fixed date in the recurring framework. No substitute weekday inferred. Full official document retrieval pending.
UAE National Day in the UAE
2026 observance date
Recorded confirmed — source review pending
About UAE National Day
UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, marks the establishment of the union on 2 December 1971. The anniversary and the second holiday date on 3 December belong to one national occasion. This guide keeps both closure dates visible while selecting 2 December as the anniversary.
Public holiday / closure dates
- — Start of holiday period · Observance date · Recorded confirmed — source review pending
- — End of holiday period · Recorded confirmed — source review pending
Bank, office and school arrangements require the applicable authority or institution notice. Missing scope data does not mean open.
Next supported occurrence
Wednesday, 2 December 2026 · Recorded confirmed — source review pending
Next listed holiday day on or after today; this can be a closure day rather than the festival date.
2027 dates
- — Start of holiday period · Observance dateRecorded confirmed — source review pending
- — End of holiday periodRecorded confirmed — source review pending
2028 dates
- — Start of holiday period · Observance dateRecorded confirmed — source review pending
- — End of holiday periodRecorded confirmed — source review pending
Official sources and date status
Recorded confirmation and independent source review are shown separately. An institution-specific notice does not establish closure for every employer or school.
UAE Cabinet
Pending Review · Scope: public
Recorded fixed date in the recurring framework. No substitute weekday inferred. Full official document retrieval pending.
UAE Cabinet
Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024: recurring holiday framework
Pending Review · Scope: public
Recurring dates and durations; future lunar projections need annual confirmation. Full document retrieval returned 403 in this continuation; indexed official schedule corroborates the saved framework.
Office arrangements
The recurring framework lists 2 and 3 December. In 2028 these dates fall on Saturday and Sunday; this calendar does not invent substitute weekdays. Use any applicable later authority announcement and your workplace roster. The number of calendar entries differs from the number of working days affected.
Bank arrangements
Check the bank notice for staffed services, transaction cut-offs and reopening. Do not use a two-day public-holiday listing as a universal settlement calendar. International transactions can also depend on the receiving institution and its local holidays.
School arrangements
Schools may hold union celebrations on another school day. A programme date is not the same as the official holiday, and the wider winter vacation comes from the academic calendar. Confirm attendance requirements with the institution.
History
Six emirates formed the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971; Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972. National Day recalls the union and its development. It is distinct from Commemoration Day on 30 November, which honours people who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Why it matters
The occasion provides a shared focus for national identity, heritage and community participation. For calendar purposes, two days off are not two separate national anniversaries. The generic National Day alias resolves to the UAE-specific guide while the stored date rows remain traceable.
Observance
Public programmes, cultural activities and family gatherings vary by emirate and year. Check official event listings for times, access and transport arrangements. An evening celebration or advertised festival period does not independently establish additional office closures.
Travel and planning
Compare the two dates with your selected weekend before requesting leave. A longer break may require personal leave, while a weekend coincidence may produce no additional weekday off. Check transport and venue announcements close to the event.
Frequently asked questions
Which date is the anniversary?
2 December marks the union anniversary; 3 December is the second listed holiday day.
Is Eid Al Etihad a separate holiday?
No. It is another name for UAE National Day.
Is Commemoration Day the same occasion?
No. Commemoration Day is observed on 30 November and has its own guide.
Are substitute days added for 2028?
No. A substitute weekday needs an applicable official announcement.
View all United Arab Emirates public holidays 2026