UAE National Day 2026: Airfares Could Double for the December Long Weekend
Travel agents expect fares on popular leisure routes to double over the 2-3 December National Day holiday. Here is what is confirmed, where residents are going and how to pay less.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
UAE National Day holiday 2026 flight prices are already climbing, and travel agents expect fares on popular leisure routes to double for the break on 2 and 3 December. If you plan to fly out for the 55th National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, booking in the next few weeks will likely save you money.
The warning comes from musafir.com, dnata Travel and Emirates Holidays, who told Khaleej Times that demand for the long weekend is running ahead of last year.
How many days off for UAE National Day 2026?
The official position is clear. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, listed on the government portal u.ae, National Day is a 2-day public holiday on 2 and 3 December for both the public and private sectors.
In 2026, those dates fall on a Wednesday and Thursday. That creates a natural long weekend:
- 4 days off (Wednesday to Saturday) for employees who normally work on Fridays
- 5 days off (Wednesday to Sunday) for those who already have Friday off, or who take 1 day of annual leave
No transfer of the holiday has been announced so far. The Cabinet moved the dates in 2025, so watch for any official circular closer to December. Our guide to the UAE's 2026 public holidays and long weekends has the full calendar.
How much more will flights cost?
Travel agents gave these estimates, not fixed prices, so treat them as a guide:
- Flights home to see family: expected to rise 25-35%
- Popular leisure routes: could double
- Around the holiday itself: a further 12-25% rise is possible, depending on seats left and when you book
musafir.com said regional conflict and fuel costs are keeping fares above last year's levels. That matches the trend we covered in why UAE airfares are so expensive right now.
Where UAE residents are going
The Maldives is the top choice, helped by a 4-hour flight, visa-free entry for many passports and dry-season weather. The other favourites are:
- Thailand, where the average stay is 6 nights
- Switzerland, for skiing and festive markets
- South Africa, with sales up 58% on last year
- Mauritius and the Seychelles
Emirates Holidays said island trips make up 50% of its bookings. Families now account for 48% of bookings and couples 45%, with solo trips growing. Helsinki, New Zealand, Portugal and Tunisia are newer names on the list.
Many residents are staying put. dnata Travel reported a 23% rise in domestic UAE hotel bookings compared with last year.
How to pay less for your National Day break
- Book now. About half of all bookings for the period were made as early as the summer, so the cheapest seats are going. dnata noted that UAE travellers often book only 3 to 18 days before departure, which is when prices are highest.
- Shift your dates. Flying out on Tuesday 1 December or returning on Monday 7 December, using annual leave, can avoid the busiest days.
- Compare nearby options. A road trip to Oman or a staycation in another emirate skips peak airfares altogether. See our Oman visa guide for UAE expats before you drive.
- Look at packages. Holiday packages that bundle flights and hotels can work out better than buying each separately at peak times.
- Check your leave balance early. Requests for days around a public holiday fill up fast in most workplaces.
Key takeaway
The official National Day holiday is 2-3 December 2026, giving most residents 4 or 5 days off. Agents expect leisure fares to double and family routes to cost 25-35% more, so booking early or travelling closer to home is the simplest way to keep costs down.
FAQ
Is UAE National Day 2026 a 5-day holiday?
The official public holiday is 2 days, Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December. It becomes 5 days only if you already have Friday off or take 1 day of leave. Others get 4 days, including the weekend.
Does the private sector get the National Day holiday in 2026?
Yes. Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 applies the same public holidays to the public and private sectors. Your employer may still issue its own working schedule, so check any internal circular.
When should I book flights for UAE National Day?
As soon as you can. Travel agents say fares rise sharply close to the dates, with a further 12-25% increase possible around the holiday.
What are the most popular National Day holiday destinations from the UAE?
The Maldives, Thailand, Switzerland, South Africa, Mauritius and the Seychelles are leading bookings this year. Island destinations make up half of Emirates Holidays' bookings.
Can the National Day holiday dates still change?
Yes. The Cabinet can move public holidays to the start or end of the week, as it did in 2025. Until a new decision is announced, 2 and 3 December are the official dates.
Further reading
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