The UAE government has confirmed that Eid Al Fitr 2026 in Dubai begins on Thursday, March 19 — the end of Ramadan. Residents across Dubai and the wider UAE will enjoy a four-day long weekend for family celebrations and festive events, with working hours resuming on Monday, March 23.
Confirmed Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holiday Dates in Dubai
According to the officially announced public holiday schedule, the Eid Al Fitr break runs from Thursday, March 19 through the weekend:
- Public sector (federal government employees): Thursday, March 19 – Sunday, March 22. Work resumes Monday, March 23. - Private sector: Thursday, March 19 – Saturday, March 21. If Ramadan runs 30 days rather than 29, the break extends to Sunday, March 22 as well.
The exact length of Ramadan — and therefore the precise end date — is determined by the UAE's official moon-sighting committee.
Why the Holiday Dates Cannot Be Moved
Under Cabinet Decision No. 27/2024 on Official Holidays in the State, which came into force on January 1, 2025, the UAE Cabinet gained authority to shift certain Islamic Hijri calendar-based holidays when they fall on a weekend or mid-week, creating longer breaks for residents.
However, the law contains an explicit carve-out: "except for Eid holidays." The Cabinet may not transfer Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha to the beginning or end of the working week, regardless of which day they land on.
This means Eid Al Fitr 2026 stays anchored to March 19, even though it falls on a Thursday.
Which UAE Holidays Can Be Shifted
While Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are fixed, the Cabinet may choose to move other public holidays to extend weekends. These include:
- Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH) - UAE National Day
The law does not shift these holidays automatically. The Cabinet must issue a separate resolution each year specifying which holidays, if any, will be rescheduled.
Eid Al Fitr: One of Islam's Most Important Celebrations
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. Across the UAE, the occasion is observed with prayers, family gatherings, charity (Zakat Al Fitr), and festive events in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Emirates Can Add Extra Days Off
The national regulation also allows individual emirates to introduce additional holidays or special celebrations beyond the federal schedule. This means Dubai may occasionally announce extra days off for significant local events, even outside the confirmed public holiday calendar.
