Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha will once again bring the longest public holidays of the year in the United Arab Emirates, giving residents several days off in 2026.
Both celebrations are among the most significant Islamic festivals and are observed by Muslims around the world. In the UAE, the holidays are also part of the official public holiday calendar, offering extended breaks for both public and private sector workers.
According to UAE public holiday regulations, at least 12 official holidays are expected throughout the year, with the two Eid celebrations accounting for the majority of those days.
However, unlike some other holidays in the country, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha cannot be shifted to create longer weekends, even if they fall near or during the weekend.
Eid Al Fitr 2026 dates
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, celebrating the completion of a month of fasting. The festival takes place on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
For 2026, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Thursday, March 19.
This would give UAE residents a four-day long weekend, running from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22.
Public sector employees are expected to receive the full four days off, while private sector workers will officially have March 19 to March 21 as holidays, with Sunday already falling on the regular weekend.
Eid Al Adha 2026 dates
Eid Al Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
The holiday period begins with Arafat Day, followed by three days of Eid celebrations.
If astronomical predictions remain accurate, the holiday schedule will be:
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Tuesday, May 26 – Arafat Day
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Wednesday, May 27 – Eid Al Adha (Day 1)
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Thursday, May 28 – Eid Al Adha (Day 2)
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Friday, May 29 – Eid Al Adha (Day 3)
With the weekend following immediately after, the UAE could see a six-day holiday period during Eid Al Adha in 2026.
Eid Al Etihad 2026 dates
Another major celebration in the UAE is Eid Al Etihad, also known as UAE National Day, marking the formation of the United Arab Emirates.
Unlike the Eid holidays, National Day follows the Gregorian calendar, falling annually on December 2 and December 3.
In 2026, these dates fall on Wednesday and Thursday. Authorities may decide whether to extend the weekend with an additional day off, but official confirmation typically comes closer to the date.
As with all Islamic holidays, the exact start of Eid celebrations depends on the sighting of the moon, meaning final confirmation of the dates will be announced by UAE authorities nearer the time.
