What To Know
- One of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar, Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is recognised in the UAE with a multi-day public holiday — sometimes extended when the dates fall just right.
- Ramadan traditionally lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on moon sightings, and this variation plays a key role in determining how long the Eid Al Fitr holiday will be.
- If Ramadan begins on February 18 or 19 and lasts 29 days, Eid Al Fitr would most likely start on Friday, March 20, resulting in a three-day weekend.
Good news for UAE residents: Eid Al Fitr 2026 could deliver a four-day long weekend, depending on how the lunar calendar unfolds in the coming weeks.
One of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar, Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is recognised in the UAE with a multi-day public holiday — sometimes extended when the dates fall just right.
When Is Ramadan Expected to Begin in 2026?
According to astronomical predictions, Ramadan is expected to begin around Thursday, February 19, 2026, though this will only be confirmed closer to the time by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee.
Ramadan traditionally lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on moon sightings, and this variation plays a key role in determining how long the Eid Al Fitr holiday will be.
How Eid Al Fitr Public Holidays Work in the UAE
Under UAE public holiday law, Eid Al Fitr officially includes the first three days of Shawwal.
However, if Ramadan lasts 30 days, an additional day off is added — creating the possibility of a four-day break.
This means the length of the holiday depends entirely on:
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The start date of Ramadan
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Whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days
The Scenario That Could Create a Four-Day Weekend
There are four possible calendar outcomes, but only one scenario results in a four-day Eid Al Fitr holiday in the UAE.
The four-day weekend happens if:
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The month of Shaban lasts 29 days, and
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Ramadan begins on Wednesday, February 18, and
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Ramadan lasts 29 days, making Thursday, March 19 the first day of Eid Al Fitr
In this case, the public holiday would run from Thursday to Sunday, giving UAE residents a four-day long weekend.
Other Possible Eid Al Fitr 2026 Dates
If Ramadan begins on February 18 or 19 and lasts 29 days, Eid Al Fitr would most likely start on Friday, March 20, resulting in a three-day weekend.
If both Shaban and Ramadan last 30 days, Eid Al Fitr would begin on Saturday, March 21, which would also produce a three-day break.
Why Dates Are Still Not Final
It’s important to note that Ramadan and Eid dates are not officially confirmed until moon sightings take place. The UAE Moon Sighting Committee determines the exact start and end of Islamic months based on the lunar cycle.
While astronomical estimates — including those from the International Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences in the UAE — are usually accurate, dates can shift by one or two days.
What This Means for UAE Residents
While nothing is confirmed yet, residents can start tentative planning for travel, staycations, or family gatherings in March. Even if the four-day break doesn’t materialise, a minimum three-day Eid holiday is guaranteed.
Keep an eye on official announcements closer to Ramadan for final confirmation.
