Planning your year in Iraq requires understanding the official nationwide public holidays that affect work schedules, business operations, and travel arrangements. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays in Iraq for 2026, helping residents, expatriates, and travelers organize their activities effectively. However, it’s worth noting that many of Iraq’s holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which means exact dates may shift slightly as they’re confirmed closer to the actual observance.
Official Iraq Public Holidays 2026
Below is the complete table of nationwide public holidays recognized throughout Iraq in 2026. Consequently, these dates represent non-working days for government offices, banks, and most businesses across the country.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 6 | Tuesday | Army Day |
| Mar 6 | Friday | National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (Tentative) |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Nowruz / Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Tentative) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| May 30 | Saturday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| Jun 4 | Thursday | Eid al-Ghadeer (Tentative) |
| Jun 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year (Tentative) |
| Jun 25 | Thursday | Ashura (Tentative) |
| Jul 14 | Tuesday | Republic Day |
| Aug 25 | Tuesday | The Prophet’s Birthday (Tentative) |
| Oct 3 | Saturday | Iraqi Independence Day |
| Dec 10 | Thursday | Anniversary of Victory over ISIS |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Important Note: Islamic holidays marked as “Tentative” are subject to moon sighting confirmation and may shift by one or two days. Meanwhile, fixed-date holidays remain consistent throughout the year.
Planning Around Iraq’s Public Holidays
Understanding Iraq’s holiday calendar proves essential for both personal and professional planning. On the other hand, the blend of Islamic religious observances and secular national celebrations creates unique scheduling considerations. Therefore, travelers and business professionals should verify Islamic holiday dates closer to their planned activities.
Extended Holiday Periods in 2026
Several holidays in 2026 create extended weekend breaks, consequently offering excellent opportunities for travel or family gatherings:
Late March Extended Break: The combination of Nowruz (March 21) and Eid al-Fitr holidays (March 20-22) creates a substantial four-day weekend. Moreover, this period marks the spring celebration season, with festivities throughout the country. This represents one of the longest continuous holiday periods of the year.
Late May Four-Day Break: Eid al-Adha spans from May 27 to May 30, providing four consecutive days off. However, businesses and government offices typically close during this important Islamic festival, so advance planning becomes crucial for any official transactions.
Year-End Holiday Cluster: Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, creating a natural long weekend. Additionally, those taking leave could extend this into a longer break by combining it with personal vacation days.
Practical Tips for Holiday Planning
To maximize your time and avoid scheduling conflicts, consider these actionable strategies. First, book travel accommodations well in advance for major Islamic holidays, as domestic and international travel increases significantly. Second, confirm business meeting dates at least two weeks ahead, especially for months containing tentative Islamic holidays. Third, keep track of moon sighting announcements in late February, May, and June for precise Islamic holiday confirmations.
For time-sensitive planning needs, utilize reliable current local time resources to coordinate across different time zones when scheduling international calls or meetings around Iraqi holidays. Furthermore, setting up countdown timers can help you track important deadlines before offices close for extended holiday periods.
Understanding Iraq’s Holiday System
Iraq observes a dual holiday system that reflects its diverse cultural and religious heritage. On one hand, the country celebrates secular national holidays commemorating historical events and civic achievements. On the other hand, Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar, which shifts approximately 10-12 days earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.
The Iraqi government officially announces Islamic holiday dates following traditional moon sighting methods, therefore creating some uncertainty in advance planning. Nevertheless, astronomical calculations provide reliable tentative dates that rarely differ by more than one day from official declarations.
Regional holidays specific to Iraqi Kurdistan are not included in this nationwide calendar. However, residents of the Kurdistan Region may observe additional local holidays beyond those listed above. For comprehensive information about holiday planning strategies, visit our detailed planning guides section.
Key Holidays Explained
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This three-day celebration typically involves family gatherings, special prayers, and festive meals. Similarly, Eid al-Adha, the four-day Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Nowruz, celebrated on March 21, marks the Persian New Year and the first day of spring. This ancient celebration holds particular significance in Iraqi Kurdistan and among Iraq’s Kurdish population. Meanwhile, Republic Day on July 14 commemorates the 1958 revolution that established Iraq as a republic.
Iraqi Independence Day on October 3 celebrates the nation’s liberation from British mandate in 1932. Additionally, the Anniversary of Victory over ISIS on December 10 honors the 2017 declaration of victory against ISIS forces, representing a relatively recent addition to Iraq’s national holidays.
Conclusion
Iraq’s 2026 public holiday calendar offers numerous opportunities for rest, celebration, and cultural observance. By planning ahead and staying informed about official announcements, you can make the most of these holidays whether for personal travel, family gatherings, or business scheduling. Remember to verify Islamic holiday dates as they approach, since moon sighting can affect the exact timing by a day or two.
For the most current information about holidays in other years or countries, visit our comprehensive public holidays resource center. Stay organized throughout the year by bookmarking this page and checking back for any updates to tentative holiday dates as official confirmations are announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Iraq?
Nationwide holidays in Iraq include New Year’s Day, Army Day, National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence, Nowruz, Labor Day, Republic Day, Iraqi Independence Day, Anniversary of Victory over ISIS, and Christmas Day. Additionally, all major Islamic holidays including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Ashura, Eid al-Ghadeer, and the Prophet’s Birthday are observed nationally.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
The longest holiday period occurs in late March when Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr holidays combine for a four-day break from March 20-22. Similarly, Eid al-Adha provides four consecutive days off from May 27-30. Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, creates a natural long weekend as well.
Are any holidays subject to change in 2026?
Yes, all Islamic holidays marked as “Tentative” are subject to official moon sighting confirmation and may shift by one or two days. These include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Ghadeer, Islamic New Year, Ashura, and the Prophet’s Birthday. Fixed-date secular holidays remain unchanged.
Do regional holidays apply throughout Iraq?
No, this calendar includes only nationwide holidays observed throughout Iraq. The Kurdistan Region observes additional regional holidays including Rebellion Anniversary, March 11 Agreement Anniversary, Barzani Birth Anniversary, Baghdad Liberation Day, and Yazidi New Year. These regional observances are not recognized as public holidays outside Iraqi Kurdistan.
When should I start planning for major holiday periods?
Begin planning at least 6-8 weeks before major Islamic holiday periods, particularly for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Domestic and international travel increases significantly during these times, so early booking ensures better availability and rates for flights and accommodations.