ساعات العمل 2026
Complete guide to working hours, public holidays, and annual leave in United Arab Emirates for 2026
Standard Work Week
- 8 hours per day
- 5 days per week
- 40 hours per week
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Labour Law, Art. 17), working hours may not exceed 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day for all employees.
Annual Leave Entitlement
30 days
30 calendar days after 1 year of service (2 days/month during first year).
Monthly Averages
- 20.8 working days/month
- 166.7 working hours/month
Monthly Working Hours Goals 2026
Expected working hours per month based on 8-hour workday, excluding weekends and public holidays.
| Month | Working Days | Monthly Goal |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 20 | 160.00 |
| February 2026 | 19 | 152.00 |
| March 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| April 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| May 2026 | 18 | 144.00 |
| June 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| July 2026 | 23 | 184.00 |
| August 2026 | 20 | 160.00 |
| September 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| October 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| November 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| December 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| Total | 250 | 2000.00 |
Public Holidays in United Arab Emirates 2026
United Arab Emirates has 14 public holidays in 2026, with 11 falling on weekdays. See full public holidays list
Understanding Holiday Types
Different countries use different terminology for non-working days. Here is what each term means for workforce planning.
Public Holidays
Official days off recognized by a country's government. Most employees are entitled to paid leave, and businesses may close or operate with reduced staff.
Federal Holidays
Holidays established by a national government, primarily affecting government offices and federally-regulated employers. Private companies may choose whether to observe them.
Bank Holidays
Days when banks and financial institutions are closed. In the UK, this term is synonymous with public holidays. Important for payroll processing and payment schedules.
Observances
Notable dates that are not official days off. Examples include Earth Day or Mother's Day. These do not affect work schedules unless an employer chooses to recognize them.
| Date | Day | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day (رأس السنة الميلادية) | |
| Fri, Jan 16 | Friday | Isra' Mi'raj (الإسراء والمعراج) | |
| Wed, Feb 18 | Wednesday | First Day of Ramadan (اليوم الأول من رمضان) | |
| Fri, Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر) | |
| Sat, Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر) | Weekend |
| Sun, Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر) | Weekend |
| Wed, May 27 | Wednesday | Arafat Day (يوم عرفة) | |
| Thu, May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha (عيد الأضحى) | |
| Fri, May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha (عيد الأضحى) | |
| Sat, May 30 | Saturday | Eid al-Adha (عيد الأضحى) | Weekend |
| Tue, Jun 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year (رأس السنة الهجرية) | |
| Tue, Aug 25 | Tuesday | Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (المولد النبويّ) | |
| Wed, Dec 2 | Wednesday | National Day (اليوم الوطني) | |
| Thu, Dec 3 | Thursday | National Day (اليوم الوطني) |
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