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Middle East Calendar 2026: Public Holidays Overview

Public holidays play a critical role in how the Middle East plans business operations, school calendars, travel demand, and major events. In 2026, the regional holiday calendar will once again be shaped by a mix of fixed national days and Islamic holidays that follow the lunar Hijri calendar.

This article provides a clear, updated overview of Middle East public holidays in 2026, with a focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan. It explains why some dates are tentative, highlights the most impactful holiday periods, and offers a concise country-by-country snapshot for easy planning.

Read More: Middle East Calendar 2025 - Public Holidays: Significances and Celebrations

The Two Big Holiday Waves of 2026

Understanding public holidays in the Middle East

Unlike purely Gregorian calendars, many Middle Eastern countries base their official holidays on Islamic lunar months. As a result, the exact Gregorian dates of major holidays can shift by one day depending on moon sighting and official government announcements.

The most important lunar-based holidays include:

• Eid Al Fitr

• Arafat Day

• Eid Al Adha

• Islamic New Year

• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

These holidays are usually announced shortly before they occur, even though calendar projections are widely published in advance.

Key takeaway: Dates listed as “tentative” should be treated as strong estimates rather than final confirmations.

Major regional holiday periods in 2026

New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026

New Year’s Day is widely observed across the GCC and Jordan. In several countries, it applies to both public and private sectors, making it one of the few fixed-date holidays shared across the region.

Because it falls on a Thursday in 2026, many residents are likely to enjoy a long weekend.

Eid Al Fitr – Expected around March 20–22, 2026 (Tentative)

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is typically the longest and busiest holiday period of the year in the Middle East.

Most GCC countries grant between two and four public holidays, depending on the sector. Travel volumes increase sharply, retail activity peaks, and many offices operate with reduced staffing.

In 2026, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall in the second half of March, creating favorable conditions for extended leave when combined with weekends.

Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha – Expected late May 2026 (Tentative)

The second major holiday season comes with Arafat Day, followed by Eid Al Adha.

This period is particularly important in Saudi Arabia due to the Hajj pilgrimage, but it also triggers public holidays across the entire GCC and Jordan. In many countries, this results in a four- to five-day break.

In 2026, these holidays are expected to fall in the last week of May, making them a key planning window for both travel and business continuity.

Country-by-country public holidays snapshot (2026)

Below is a short reference table highlighting the most relevant holidays. Islamic holidays are tentative until officially announced.

Special calendar considerations

Differences between public and private sector holidays

In several Middle Eastern countries, holiday length may differ between:

• Government employees

• Private sector workers

• Banks and financial institutions

Employers often issue internal circulars clarifying which days apply to each sector.

Israel’s separate holiday system

Israel follows the Hebrew calendar, not the Islamic calendar. Major public holidays such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur fall on different dates each year and often do not align with GCC holiday periods.

This difference is important for companies managing regional operations across the Middle East.

Planning tips for businesses and travelers in 2026

1. Expect peak demand during Eid holidays
   Flights, hotels, and tourist attractions experience their highest demand during Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.

2. Prepare for last-minute date confirmations
   Final holiday dates may only be confirmed days in advance. Build flexibility into schedules and deadlines.

3. Use holidays strategically
   When public holidays fall near weekends, many residents extend their leave. This can affect staffing, customer support, and delivery timelines.

4. Create country-specific calendars
   For SEO and user experience, audiences respond better to country-focused holiday pages rather than broad regional lists.

FAQs

Q1: Are Middle East public holidays in 2026 confirmed?

Most fixed-date holidays are confirmed. Islamic holidays are tentative until officially announced based on moon sighting.

Q2: When is Eid Al Fitr expected in 2026?

Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall around March 20–22, 2026, subject to official confirmation.

Q3: Which Middle East holidays cause the longest breaks?

Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha usually result in the longest public holiday periods across the region.

Q4: Do all Middle East countries observe the same public holidays?

No. While Islamic holidays are widely observed, national days and holiday lengths vary by country.

Q5: Is New Year’s Day a public holiday in the Middle East?

Yes, New Year’s Day on January 1 is a public holiday in many GCC countries and Jordan.

Final note

The Middle East calendar 2026 is defined by a few high-impact holiday periods rather than a long list of fixed dates. For accurate planning, always monitor official government announcements as lunar holidays approach.

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