Where Should You Travel for the UAE National Day 2026 Long Weekend?
The best National Day holiday destinations from Dubai are Georgia, Baku (Azerbaijan) and the Maldives, along with staycations in the UAE. They are short flights from Dubai and work well for a 3-6 day break. Which one suits you depends on how many days off you take, your budget and the weather you want in December.
Below is a simple guide to the holiday dates, destinations, package inclusions and booking tips.
When Is the UAE National Day 2026 Holiday?
According to the UAE Government Public Holidays Portal, UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) falls on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026 for public and private sector employees.
| Date | Day | What it is |
| 30 November | Monday | Commemoration Day (observed with ceremonies, not a day off) |
| 2-3 December | Wednesday-Thursday | UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) |
| 4 December | Friday | Take one day of annual leave to bridge into the weekend |
| 5-6 December | Saturday-Sunday | Weekend |
The UAE Cabinet can move some public holidays to the start or end of the week under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, as it did in 2025. Check official announcements closer to December in case the dates change.
How Many Days Can You Get Off?
| Leave you take | Total break | Dates |
| None | 2 holiday days | Wed 2 – Thu 3 Dec |
| 1 day (Fri 4 Dec) | 5 days | Wed 2 – Sun 6 Dec |
| 2 days (Tue 1 Dec and Fri 4 Dec) | 6 days | Tue 1 – Sun 6 Dec |
| 3 days (Mon 30 Nov, Tue 1 Dec and Fri 4 Dec) | 9 days | Sat 28 Nov – Sun 6 Dec |
Based on a Saturday-Sunday weekend. Your employer’s schedule may differ.
What Are the Best National Day Holiday Destinations from Dubai?
| Destination | Approx. flight time from Dubai | Ideal trip length | Best for |
| Baku, Azerbaijan | About 3 hours | 3-4 days | City break, culture, UNESCO old town |
| Georgia (Tbilisi) | 3.5 to 4 hours | 4-6 days | Old town, mountains, winter scenery |
| Maldives | 3.5 to 4 hours | 3-5 days | Beach, resort stay, relaxation |
| Armenia | About 3 hours | 4 days | Wine, landscapes, historic towns |
| Jordan (Amman and Petra) | About 3.5 hours | 3-4 days | Ancient history, Petra’s rock-carved tombs |
| UAE staycation | No flight | 2-5 days | No travel stress, festive events |
Flight times are approximate. Check your airline for exact schedules.
Baku: Mixes futuristic architecture like the Flame Towers with the medieval walled city of Icheri Sheher. With 4-5 days you can add day trips to Gobustan. See Azerbaijan tour packages from Dubai.
Georgia: Tbilisi offers sulfur baths, the Dry Bridge market and old-town alleyways, with quick access to mountain viewpoints. December is cold, so expect a winter holiday. See Georgia tour packages from Dubai and our guide on the best time to visit Georgia.
Maldives: Good for an overwater bungalow or quiet island resort without a long-haul flight. November to April is the dry season, so the National Day break falls at a good time. It is also busy, so book early. See Maldives tour packages from Dubai.
Armenia and Jordan: Armenia suits wine, landscapes and historic towns. Jordan suits ancient history, including Petra. Both work for a 3-4 day break.
UAE staycation: Skip airport queues and enjoy National Day events, fireworks and coastal or desert resorts. Neo Travels offers inbound tour packages in Dubai and local excursions.
What Do UAE National Day Holiday Packages from Dubai Include?
National Day tour packages bundle hotels, transfers and sightseeing, which saves time when demand is high. Here are Neo Travels’ packages that fit the long weekend:
| Package | Length | Main inclusions |
| Azerbaijan | 3 nights / 4 days | 4-star hotel in Baku, daily breakfast, return airport transfer, half-day Baku city tour, Gobustan and Absheron tour |
| Georgia | 5 nights | 4-star hotels in Tbilisi, daily breakfast, private airport transfers, private daily sightseeing, English-speaking guide, taxes |
| Maldives | 3 nights | 4-star hotel, half-board meals, shared speedboat airport transfers, taxes except Green Tax |
Note: Package inclusions, hotel categories, prices, and itineraries are subject to change depending on travel dates, availability, and seasonal demand. Before planning your trip, please contact Neo Travels to confirm the latest package details, prices, and inclusions. Contact Neo Travels now to plan your trip!
Which Trip Fits Your Days Off?
- 2 days (no leave): A Dubai staycation.
- 5 days (1 day of leave): Baku with day trips, the Maldives, a short Georgia trip, Armenia or Jordan.
- 6 days (2 days of leave): Georgia is the best fit. The 5-night package works if you fly out on Tuesday and return on Sunday.
- 9 days (3 days of leave): Enough for a longer Maldives stay or a Georgia trip with more day trips.
What Does a 6-Day Georgia Trip Look Like?
This is a sample plan. Your final itinerary depends on the package and travel dates.
- Days 1-2: Explore Tbilisi and the ancient capital Mtskheta.
- Days 3-4: Visit the Kakheti wine region for tastings and mountain views.
- Days 5-6: Head north to Kazbegi for mountain scenery before flying back.
How Early Should You Book National Day Holiday Packages?
Book as early as possible. Flights and hotels fill quickly around public holidays, and the Maldives is busy through the winter season. Our Maldives page recommends booking 2-3 months ahead for peak months, so do not wait until November. Use our Maldives travel season guide to compare months.
What Should You Check Before Booking?
- Visa rules: These depend on nationality and destination. Check official sources or get help with visa services.
- Passport validity: Many countries need at least six months of validity.
- Winter clothing: Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia can be cold in December. Read about snowy cities in Azerbaijan in winter.
- Flight timings: Avoid very early or late flights if travelling with children.
- Refund and change rules: Choose flexible options where possible.
- Travel insurance: Useful for holiday trips. See travel insurance options.
How Can a Travel Agency in Dubai Help with National Day Packages?
A travel agency in Dubai can compare options, manage hotels and transfers, and suggest trips that match your days off. This matters during peak holidays, when good options sell out.
Neo Travels, a travel agency in Dubai, offers outbound tour packages from Dubai as well as inbound tour packages in Dubai. You can choose a fixed package or ask for a customised UAE holiday tour package that fits your dates.
FAQs about UAE National Day 2026 Long Weekend
When is the UAE National Day holiday in 2026?
UAE National Day is on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026. The Cabinet can move certain holidays to the start or end of the week, so check official announcements.
How many days off can I get for National Day 2026?
With no leave you get two days. One day of leave on Friday 4 December gives a five-day break. Two days of leave (Tuesday and Friday) gives six days, and three days of leave gives nine days (for a Saturday-Sunday weekend).
What are the best National Day holiday destinations from Dubai?
Popular options are Georgia, Baku, the Maldives, Armenia and Jordan for short trips, or a staycation in the UAE.
What do National Day holiday packages from Dubai usually include?
Typically hotel stays, daily breakfast and airport transfers. Some include sightseeing tours or meals. Flights are often booked separately, so check each package’s inclusions.
Is December a good time to visit the Maldives from Dubai?
Yes. November to April is the dry season, with the best weather. It is also busy, so book early.
Does Neo Travels offer UAE National Day tour packages?
Yes. Neo Travels offers outbound packages to Georgia, Azerbaijan and the Maldives, and inbound tour packages in Dubai. Contact the team for a customised quote for your dates.
Conclusion
The UAE National Day long weekend is a good time for a short winter trip. Baku suits a quick break, Georgia works for a longer winter holiday, the Maldives offers sunshine, and a staycation keeps things simple. Confirm the final holiday dates, match the trip to your days off and book early.
Looking for National Day holiday packages from Dubai? Contact Neo Travels for a customised quote.
