December 2026 in Dubai and the UAE: National Day, F1 Abu Dhabi and GITEX

UAE Commemoration Day (1 December) honours UAE soldiers who died in service. Official public holiday: government offices, schools, banks and most private businesses are closed.

UAE National Day is a 2-day public holiday on 2-3 December, marking the founding of the UAE in 1971. Citywide celebrations, fireworks, parades and national events. Government, schools and most businesses are closed. With Friday 4 December following, residents may enjoy a 3-4 day break.

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 takes place 4-6 December at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. Season finale of the 2026 F1 World Championship. Practice: Dec 4-5; qualifying: Dec 5; race: Sunday Dec 6. Abu Dhabi is approximately 130 km from Dubai.

GITEX Global 2026 spans two venues. GITEX Scale Summit (7 December) runs at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The main GITEX Global Expo (8-11 December) moves to Expo City Dubai (Dubai Exhibition Centre), marking the first edition at the new venue. Over 6,000 exhibitors and 180,000+ attendees expected. The December timing coincides with Dubai's peak tourism season.

UAE private school winter break begins 14 December 2026. Schools reopen 4 January 2027. Applies to most private schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates; individual schools may vary by 1-2 days. Source: KHDA official academic calendar 2026-2027.

The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Yasalam After-Race Concert opens on Thursday 3 December 2026 at Etihad Park, Yas Island with Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson performing. The F1 race weekend runs 3-6 December at Yas Marina Circuit. Concert access included with F1 ticket.

Imagine Dragons headline the Saturday Yasalam After-Race Concert at Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on 5 December 2026 -- part of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend (3-6 December). Concert included with F1 race ticket. Abu Dhabi is approximately 130 km from Dubai.

Companies with a financial year ending 31 March 2026 must file their UAE Corporate Tax return by 31 December 2026. This follows the Federal Tax Authority’s 9-month filing rule (from year-end to filing deadline). The same rule produced the 30 September 2026 deadline for December 2025 year-end companies. Confirm your company’s financial year-end and file through the EmaraTax portal (emaratax.ae). Source: Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae).

Private sector companies with 50 or more employees in targeted sectors must achieve the second semi-annual 1% Emiratisation increase by 31 December 2026. This is the H2 counterpart of the H1 deadline (30 June 2026). The annual target is a 2% total increase in Emirati employees in skilled roles. Non-compliance with Emiratisation targets can result in administrative penalties under MoHRE enforcement. Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (mohre.gov.ae).

Dubai celebrates New Year's Eve with a world-renowned fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai at midnight on 31 December / 1 January. Viewing areas include Burj Park, Business Bay Waterfront, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. Road closures apply from late evening. Hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs across Dubai host NYE gala dinners and parties. The Downtown area reaches capacity — arrive several hours early if attending in person. Fireworks typically last 6-10 minutes; the broadcast streamed live on Dubai TV and social channels.