Planning your year in Yemen requires knowing the official national public holidays that affect business operations, travel schedules, and daily life. Understanding current local times and official holidays helps residents, expatriates, and visitors make informed decisions when scheduling important events, meetings, or travel arrangements. This comprehensive guide covers only confirmed nationwide public holidays recognized by the Yemeni government, excluding regional or sectoral observances that may vary by location.
Official Yemen Public Holidays 2026
Yemen observes both Gregorian and Islamic calendar holidays throughout the year. However, it’s important to note that Islamic holidays are subject to moon sighting and may shift by one day from the dates listed below. The following table presents all confirmed national public holidays for 2026:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| Mar 18-23 | Wed-Mon | Eid al Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 22 | Friday | Unification Day |
| May 26-June 4 | Tue-Thu | Eid al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) |
| Jun 16 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year (Hijra) |
| Aug 25 | Tuesday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday |
| Sep 21 | Monday | Anniversary of September 21 Revolution |
| Sep 26 | Saturday | Revolution Day (North Yemen) |
| Oct 14 | Wednesday | Liberation Day (South Yemen Revolution) |
| Nov 30 | Monday | Independence Day |
Holiday Planning Tips and Long Weekends
Several Yemen holidays in 2026 create extended weekends and vacation periods that significantly impact business operations and travel schedules. The most notable extended periods include the Eid al Fitr celebration spanning six days from March 18-23, and the Eid al Adha festival lasting ten days from May 26 through June 4. These Islamic holidays represent the longest official holiday periods in Yemen, consequently affecting banking, government services, and international business operations.
Moreover, when holidays fall on Fridays or adjacent to weekends, many businesses extend closures to create longer breaks. For instance, Labour Day on Friday, May 1, and Unification Day on Friday, May 22, may result in extended weekend closures. Additionally, utilizing timer tools for precise scheduling can help coordinate meetings across different time zones during these holiday periods.
Business travelers should particularly note that government offices, banks, and many private enterprises close during these official holidays. International visitors planning trips should consider these dates when booking accommodations and scheduling appointments, as services may be limited or unavailable.
Understanding Yemen’s Holiday System
Yemen’s public holiday calendar reflects the country’s Islamic heritage and political history. The government officially recognizes holidays based on both the Gregorian and Islamic calendars, with Islamic holidays determined by lunar observations that can shift dates by one day. Under Article 78 of Yemen’s labor laws, all workers are entitled to full pay during official public holidays, while Article 71 mandates reduced working hours during Ramadan.
Furthermore, the weekend in Yemen runs from Friday to Saturday, differing from the Western Saturday-Sunday pattern. This unique weekend schedule, combined with official holidays, creates distinct periods when business activities significantly decrease across the country.
The holiday calendar includes both religious observances and commemorative dates marking important events in Yemeni history, such as the unification of North and South Yemen and various revolutionary milestones. These dates remain fixed on the Gregorian calendar, unlike Islamic holidays that shift annually.
Holiday Impact on Daily Life
During major holidays, particularly Eid celebrations, Yemen’s cities transform with festive decorations and cultural activities. Streets often fill with parades and celebrations, while many families travel to visit relatives in different regions. Consequently, transportation systems experience higher demand, and road traffic patterns change significantly.
Banks, government offices, and educational institutions close completely during official holidays, though some essential services maintain limited operations. International businesses operating in Yemen should coordinate with local partners to understand which services remain available during holiday periods.
Planning ahead becomes crucial for both residents and visitors, especially during extended holiday periods. Comprehensive planning guides can provide additional insights for managing schedules around these significant dates throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Yemen?
Yemen recognizes eleven main public holidays nationwide in 2026, including both Islamic religious holidays (Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet’s Birthday) and national commemorative days (Unification Day, Revolution Days, Independence Day, Liberation Day). New Year’s Day and Labour Day complete the official calendar.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
The longest holiday periods in 2026 are Eid al Fitr (March 18-23, spanning six days) and Eid al Adha (May 26-June 4, lasting ten days). Additionally, Labour Day and Unification Day both fall on Fridays, potentially creating three-day weekends when combined with Yemen’s Friday-Saturday weekend pattern.
Are any holidays subject to change in 2026?
Islamic holidays may shift by one day depending on moon sighting announcements from religious authorities. Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha, Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday dates are tentative and subject to official lunar calendar confirmations. Gregorian calendar holidays remain fixed on their scheduled dates.
How do Yemen holidays affect business operations?
All government offices, banks, and many private businesses close during official public holidays. Extended closures occur during Eid periods, with some businesses remaining closed for up to ten days during Eid al Adha. International businesses should plan operations carefully around these dates to avoid disruptions.
What is the weekend schedule in Yemen?
Yemen observes a Friday-Saturday weekend pattern, different from the Western Saturday-Sunday schedule. This affects how holidays interact with weekends and influences the length of holiday breaks throughout the year.
Remember to check this comprehensive list of Yemen public holidays 2026 when planning important events, business meetings, or travel arrangements. These official nationwide holidays provide the foundation for annual scheduling, though regional variations may apply in specific areas. For the most current information about local times and scheduling tools, visit our main resources for time management and planning assistance.