UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) falls on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026. With one to three days of annual leave, that becomes a 5, 6 or even 9-day break, the last long weekend of the year before the December holidays (Gulf News). The dates are based on the current calendar and are not officially confirmed yet: the Cabinet can move some holidays to the start or end of the week. Book flexible or cancellable options until the official announcement.
How to Get a Longer Break
The UAE weekend is Saturday and Sunday, so the holiday sits in the middle of the week. These are the options if the holiday stays on Wednesday and Thursday (Gulf News).
- 1 leave day (Friday 4 December): Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 December, 5 days off.
- 2 leave days (Monday 30 November and Tuesday 1 December): Saturday 28 November to Thursday 3 December, 6 days off.
- 3 leave days (30 November, 1 and 4 December): Saturday 28 November to Sunday 6 December, 9 days off.
Check your employer's leave policy and submit requests early, as approval depends on operational needs.
Before You Book: Check Your Visa
Where you can go easily depends on your passport and your UAE residence visa. Our guide to visa-free trips for UAE residents covers the exact rules for Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the Maldives and Seychelles.
1. Oman by Road (5 days)
The easiest trip of all: no flight, early December weather is ideal, and Muscat, the Musandam fjords and Jebel Akhdar are all within reach. Residents whose profession is on Oman's approved list get a visa on arrival at the land border. Check that your car insurance covers Oman, and expect heavy traffic at the borders on the first and last day of the holiday.
2. Doha: Formula 1 + National Day (6 to 9 days)
The Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix runs from 27 to 29 November, with the main race on Sunday 29 November at Lusail. The 6 or 9-day options start on Saturday 28 November, so you can fly to Doha for the race weekend and stay on for the holiday. GCC residents of any profession apply for a Qatar e-visa through the Hayya platform. Hotels near Lusail sell out first, so book early. See our Doha events calendar for where to stay and how to reach the circuit.
Hotels and apartments in Doha
3. Armenia (5 to 9 days)
Yerevan is about 3 hours from Dubai, and holders of a valid GCC residence permit can enter visa-free until 1 July 2027, if the permit is valid for at least 6 more months and is a physical card or passport sticker. Early December is cold, so pack warm layers.
4. Georgia (6 to 9 days)
Tbilisi is about 3 hours from Dubai, and many UAE residents enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Health insurance is mandatory for all tourists. Early December is cold and quiet, a good time for city walks, food and day trips, but the ski season at Gudauri only opens around 20 December. Our Georgia family guide has the full plan.
5. AlUla, Saudi Arabia (5 days)
GCC residents of any profession can apply for a Saudi tourist e-visa, with a residence permit valid for at least 3 more months. December is one of the best months for AlUla's rock tombs, canyons and desert hikes, as days are warm and nights cool. Health insurance covering your stay is required.
6. The Maldives (5 days)
Every nationality gets a free 30-day visa on arrival, so your passport does not matter. December is the start of the drier season. Complete the online IMUGA traveller declaration within 96 hours of your flight, and have your return ticket and hotel booking ready.
7. Istanbul (6 to 9 days)
About 4 and a half hours from Dubai, with mild early-winter weather and short queues compared with summer. Visa rules depend heavily on your passport: some nationalities need an e-visa or a visa in advance, so check before you book. Our Istanbul travel guide covers the essentials. Book tours and attraction tickets ahead, as long weekends fill up fast.
Top Activities
Booking Tips for a Peak Long Weekend
- Book flights now: fares from the UAE rise sharply for National Day, and the cheapest seats go first.
- Compare airports: Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi often price the same route very differently.
- Fly out on Saturday morning or Tuesday night: the first evening of the holiday is the busiest time at the airport.
- Choose flexible bookings: the holiday dates are not yet official, so refundable fares and free cancellation are worth a little extra.
Search and compare flights for the National Day weekend.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is UAE National Day holiday 2026?
Eid Al Etihad is expected on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026. The official announcement may move the days, so check before booking.
How can I get 9 days off for National Day 2026?
Take three days of annual leave (Monday 30 November, Tuesday 1 December and Friday 4 December) to get Saturday 28 November to Sunday 6 December off.
Where can UAE residents travel without a visa for National Day?
Depending on your passport, Georgia, Armenia and the Maldives are easy options, and Saudi Arabia and Qatar offer e-visas for GCC residents.
Is early December a good time for skiing in Georgia?
Not yet. Gudauri's season opens around 20 December, so National Day is better for city trips there.