Global Village at night. Photo: Philosographer, Wikimedia Commons, “Global village 6”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized).
Clear your diary for the first week of December. The UAE has confirmed a three-day Eid Al Etihad holiday for the federal government, running from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 December 2026. Add the Saturday and Sunday weekend, and many workers get five days off in a row. For Dubai, that means one of the busiest and most festive weeks of the winter.
This guide explains who gets the Eid Al Etihad holiday, what the official announcement says, and how to spend it well in Dubai. We cover Global Village’s National Day programme, the light show at JBR, a free concert in Hatta and the start of Dubai Shopping Festival. We also share practical tips on crowds, tickets and timing.
What Was Announced on 13 November
The UAE Government Media Office posted the news on X at 11:29am Dubai time on Friday 13 November 2026. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) published the same decision on its website. Gulf News reported it at 11:36am, Khaleej Times at 11:41am and Arabian Business at 11:58am.
All three outlets agree on the key details. Here they are in brief.
- Holiday dates: Wednesday 2 December to Friday 4 December 2026.
- Who it covers: employees of federal ministries and federal government entities.
- Back to work: official working hours resume on Monday 7 December.
- Total break: five days in a row for anyone with a Saturday and Sunday weekend.
According to Khaleej Times, Eid Al Etihad usually falls on 2 and 3 December. This year, however, the government has added Friday 4 December. As a result, federal staff no longer need to spend a day of annual leave to bridge the gap to the weekend.
Who Gets the Eid Al Etihad Holiday?
The 13 November decision covers the federal public sector. In addition, Arabian Business described it as a five-day National Day weekend for the public sector. Dubai Government departments usually announce their own dates, so watch for a separate notice from your employer.
For private sector staff, the picture is less clear for now. At the time of writing, we could not find a separate announcement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Even so, The National notes that public and private sector employees typically receive the same number of public holidays under the unified calendar.
In practice, private sector workers should check with HR before booking anything non-refundable. Meanwhile, Khaleej Times reports that the Ministry of Education calendar lists 2 to 4 December as the National Day holiday for schools.
Why Eid Al Etihad Matters
Eid Al Etihad marks the founding of the UAE on 2 December 1971, when six emirates united under the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Ras Al Khaimah joined the union the following year. This year’s celebration is the 55th.
Gulf News reports that the 2026 theme falls within the UAE’s Year of Family. It presents the country as a “family of families”, bringing together people from many backgrounds through shared values. In other words, this is a holiday built for gathering, not just resting.
Dubai has been building towards it all month. Brand Dubai, part of the Government of Dubai Media Office, is running “National Month” celebrations from 3 November to 2 December. Its programme includes the UAE Flag Garden, Eid Al Etihad festivities and a “UAE Parade”, with more events still to be announced.
Global Village: Drones, Operetta and Emirati Food
For most families, Global Village will be the centre of the celebrations. The park’s National Day programme runs from 1 to 3 December. Even before then, the UAE flag colours will light up its gates and landmarks from 27 November, according to Khaleej Times.
Here is what to look out for.
- Drone show: a special Eid Al Etihad drone display lights up the sky on 2 and 3 December, according to the official Global Village website.
- “UAE Glory and Pride”: a 30-minute operetta on the Main Stage, celebrating the country’s maritime and desert heritage.
- Folk performances: Rawah, Harbiya, Nadbah and Nuaishat shows across the park.
- Emirati crafts: local products at the UAE Pavilion, the 971 Community Pavilion and the Heritage Village.
- Traditional food: ragag bread and luqaimat at Maqha Hamad and the Emirati food kiosks.
The operetta has two performances each evening. On Tuesday 1 December, they start at 7.50pm and 9.35pm. On Wednesday 2 December, they start at 7.50pm and 10.45pm. Finally, on Thursday 3 December, they begin at 7.50pm and 9.25pm. Timings can change without notice, so check the app on the day.
Tickets cost Dh25 on weekdays and Dh30 at weekends and on public holidays. Our Global Village ticket prices guide explains parking, buses and opening hours in detail. Note that Tuesdays are normally reserved for families and ladies, except on public holidays. So, if 1 December is not a holiday for you, plan accordingly.
The Eid Al Etihad Light Show at JBR and Bluewaters
On the evening of 2 December, the waterfront between The Beach, JBR and Bluewaters Island will host an Eid Al Etihad light show. According to Visit Dubai, shows are scheduled for 8pm and 10pm, with aerial displays and Emirati traditions lighting up the sky.
Both sides of the bay make good viewing spots. However, parking at JBR fills quickly on public holidays. The tram and a short walk from the Metro are usually less stressful than driving. Arrive at least an hour early if you want a spot near the water.
A Free Candlelight Concert in Hatta
If you prefer mountains to crowds, Hatta offers a gentler way to celebrate. The Dubai Media Office says a free candlelight concert will take place at DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub on 2 December. The khaleeji-themed performance will be held outdoors, under the stars and against the Hajar Mountains.
Hatta also makes an excellent day trip during the Eid Al Etihad holiday. For example, you could kayak on Hatta Dam in the morning, explore the heritage village after lunch and stay on for the concert. The drive from central Dubai takes around 90 minutes, so set off early and pack warm layers for the evening.
Dubai Shopping Festival Starts on 4 December
The Eid Al Etihad holiday also overlaps with the start of the 32nd Dubai Shopping Festival. It runs from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, according to the Dubai Media Office. Consequently, the final days of the break will feel especially lively.
- 4 December: regional star Rashid Al Majed performs at Coca-Cola Arena.
- 5 December: Steve Aoki takes the stage at the same venue.
- From 5 December: the DSF Light Show runs nightly from 7.30pm to 10.30pm between JBR and Bluewaters, with two drone shows every night.
Tickets for the concerts have not all been released yet. Therefore, follow the official DSF channels and book as soon as sales open.
How to Plan Your Eid Al Etihad Holiday in Dubai
A long weekend in Dubai can be wonderful or exhausting. It depends largely on planning. These tips should help you enjoy it.
- Book early: restaurants, staycations and desert camps fill up fast, so reserve your key plans now.
- Go early or late: Global Village is busiest after 7pm, so arrive near opening time if you have young children.
- Use public transport: the Metro and tram avoid the worst of the holiday traffic and parking queues.
- Mix busy and quiet days: pair a big night out with a calm morning at a beach or park.
- Dress for the evening: December nights can feel cool, especially in Hatta and the desert.
- Check official channels: event times often change, so confirm them on the day.
If you want a free photo stop, the UAE Flag Garden at Umm Suqeim is open until January. Similarly, the heritage-minded can catch a camel race at Al Marmoom; our camel racing guide explains how to watch this season.
Respectful Celebrations
The Eid Al Etihad holiday brings out flags, scarves and decorated cars across the city. It is a joyful time, and visitors are warmly welcome to join in. Still, a little care goes a long way. Handle the flag with respect, follow any official guidance on car decorations and avoid blocking roads or pavements. Above all, be patient in crowds; everyone is there to celebrate.
Conclusion
The 2026 Eid Al Etihad holiday gives federal employees five days off, from Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 December. For Dubai, it is a week of drones over Global Village, light shows at JBR, music in Hatta and the opening of Dubai Shopping Festival. Private sector staff should wait for confirmation from their employer. Everyone else can start planning now, because the best tables and tickets will go quickly.
FAQ
When is the Eid Al Etihad holiday in 2026?
For federal government employees, it runs from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 December 2026. Work resumes on Monday 7 December.
Is the private sector also off for five days?
At the time of writing, we could not find a separate MoHRE announcement. Public and private sector staff usually receive the same number of public holidays, but check with your employer.
What is happening at Global Village for National Day?
Global Village runs a National Day programme from 1 to 3 December, including drone shows on 2 and 3 December, an operetta, folk performances and Emirati food.
Where can I watch the Eid Al Etihad light show in Dubai?
Visit Dubai lists shows at 8pm and 10pm on 2 December, at Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR.
When does Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 start?
It starts on 4 December 2026 and runs until 17 January 2027.
Key Takeaways
- The federal Eid Al Etihad holiday runs from 2 to 4 December 2026, with work resuming on 7 December.
- Most federal staff get a five-day break when the weekend is included.
- Private sector staff should wait for confirmation from MoHRE or their employer.
- Global Village celebrates from 1 to 3 December, with drone shows on 2 and 3 December.
- Visit Dubai lists an Eid Al Etihad light show at JBR and Bluewaters on 2 December.
- A free candlelight concert takes place at Hatta Wadi Hub on 2 December.
- Dubai Shopping Festival begins on 4 December.
Useful Links
- Gulf News: UAE announces three-day Eid Al Etihad break for 2026
- Khaleej Times: 3-day Eid Al Etihad break announced for public sector
- Arabian Business: UAE confirms five-day National Day weekend for public sector
- FAHR: official federal holiday announcement (Arabic)
- Global Village: Drone Show for UAE National Day
- Visit Dubai: Eid Al Etihad Light Show
- Dubai Media Office: Brand Dubai’s National Month celebrations
- Global Village Season 31: dates, hours and buses
