Wish you had more time off in 2026? Well, it turns out you could have more than you realise (with some help from yours truly)
Same allowance, more time off
If you’ve worked for more than a year, you’re entitled to 30 calendar days of annual leave per year (those who have been employed between six months and a year are entitled to receive 2 paid days for each month of service). On top of that, UAE employees benefit from a generous public holiday calendar — with around 12 public holidays expected in 2026 — so ‘not enough time off’ is no longer an excuse to skip that dream trip!
Still, who would say no to even more paid time off? Here’s how you can plan your annual leave in 2026 to unlock even longer holidays, and even keep a few of those paid-leave days to extend your weekends in between.
The days we recommend taking off:
Getting more paid-time off in 2026
The UAE’s blended mix of fixed-dated holidays and Islamic festivals gives travellers several opportunities to turn just a few days of annual leave into week-long escapes. However, as Islamic holidays are determined by moon-sighting, dates may shift by one to two days, so it’s best to check official announcements closer to the time.
For the time being, we’ve worked out how you can unlock the best long breaks of 2026, by pairing annual leave with public holidays to create a smart travel planning guide for 2026:
Predicted public holidays in 2026
Below, you’ll see a list of all the public holidays for 2026 and the dates they fall on to help you optimise your annual leave and plan your trips with ease:Use Skyscanner's Price Alerts to find the best deals on flights
Ideas of where to visit in 2026
Based on our suggestions of how to group your annual leave with public holidays, these top trending destinations for UAE travellers in 2026 will help you make the most of that extra holiday time:
Paro: Take 2 days off for a 9-day holiday for Eid-al-Fitr
Paro sits within Bhutan’s beautiful Himalayan valleys, framed by pine forests and snow-dusted peaks that glow in the light. Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, explore ancient riverside dzongs, and nearby Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples to immerse into the country’s spiritual heritage. Pair your trip with a visit to Thimphu to enjoy Bhutanese cuisine in intimate local eateries and browse traditional handicraft markets, or indulge an elegant lodge stay in Punakha, to unwind in spa pavilions and take guided nature walks through peaceful valley landscapes.
Beijing: Take 6 days off for 16 days of holiday tied to Arafat Day and Eid-al-Adha
Beijing blends imperial splendour with modern creativity, offering travellers the perfect mix of culture, architecture and standout cuisine. Explore the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, as well as the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, both a day trip away, before joining one of the culinary tours that showcase celebrated noodle dishes, dumplings and regional specialities.
Bilbao: Take 4 days off for a 9-day holiday for Islamic New Year
Bilbao is a city that speaks to travellers seeking design and art. Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum remains its defining landmark, housing world-renowned contemporary works and rotating global exhibitions. Travellers can also explore the boutiques of the Ensanche district, where distinct Basque craftsmanship is presented through ceramics, textiles and modern design pieces. For foodies, there's also enough time to visit nearby San Sebastián, famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants and innovative tasting menus that have shaped modern Basque cuisine.
