UAE Eid holidays 2026 will once again deliver the longest public breaks of the year, giving residents in the United Arab Emirates several consecutive days off across two major Islamic festivals. Both Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are among the most significant celebrations on the Islamic calendar and are observed worldwide — in the UAE they anchor the official public holiday schedule for both public and private sector workers.
According to UAE public holiday regulations, at least 12 official holidays are expected throughout 2026, with the two Eid celebrations accounting for the majority of those days. 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.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation have confirmed the holiday arrangements for both sectors.
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 Eid Al Adha 2026 UAE holiday schedule will be:
- Tuesday, May 26 — Arafat Day - Wednesday, May 27 — Eid Al Adha (Day 1) - Thursday, May 28 — Eid Al Adha (Day 2) - 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. Public sector employees and school students may enjoy an even longer stretch depending on official announcements closer to the date.
UAE National Day 2026 Dates
Another major celebration 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.
Moon Sighting Confirmation
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. Residents should monitor official announcements from the UAE government before making travel or leave plans.
