The United Arab Emirates has officially confirmed its holiday schedule for Eid Al-Adha 2026, setting out different break periods for private sector employees, federal government workers, and some local government entities.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, private sector employees will receive a four-day paid holiday from Tuesday, 26 May to Friday, 29 May 2026. For those working a Saturday–Sunday weekend, this effectively extends the break to six days, depending on company schedules.
Federal government employees will receive a longer holiday period, with a five-day break during the festival. When combined with the weekend, this could result in up to nine consecutive days off, with work expected to resume on Monday, 1 June 2026.
In Sharjah, government employees are set to benefit from an extended 10-day break due to the emirate’s compressed four-day workweek structure, which already includes a three-day weekend.
The Eid Al-Adha holidays in the UAE come as the country prepares for one of the most significant periods in the Islamic calendar, which coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah. During this time, Muslims worldwide observe religious rituals, including Arafah Day and the sacrifice tradition linked to Eid.
Authorities noted that the holiday schedule aligns with the Islamic lunar calendar, with the first day of Dhul Hijjah confirmed after the sighting of the crescent moon by the UAE’s official moon-sighting committee.
The Eid Al-Adha holidays in the UAE highlight the variation in break lengths across sectors, while maintaining coordination with broader regional timing across the Gulf, where most countries base their schedules on similar lunar and religious frameworks.
