UAE Announces Eid al-Fitr 2026 Holidays for Public and Private Sector Employees
DUBAI : The United Arab Emirates has officially announced the holiday schedule for Eid al-Fitr 2026 for both public and private sector employees, giving residents and workers clarity well ahead of the end of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant religious celebrations in the Muslim world, marking the end of Ramadan—the holy month of fasting. The date of the festival depends on the Islamic lunar calendar and is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, meaning the exact dates can vary slightly each year.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Holidays Announced in UAE
According to the announcement:
- Public sector employees will enjoy a four-day holiday from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, 2026.
- Private sector employees will have leave from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21, 2026. However, if Ramadan lasts 30 days, the private sector break will also be extended to Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Work for both sectors is scheduled to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Why Eid al-Fitr 2026 Holidays Dates May Vary
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic Hijri calendar is lunar-based. The start of the month of Shawwal—which marks Eid al-Fitr—is only confirmed after officials sight the new crescent moon on the 29th day of Ramadan. If the moon is not sighted, Ramadan continues for a full 30 days, shifting the start of Eid by a day.
This year, authorities in the UAE have put holiday dates in place ahead of the official sighting to help businesses, organisations, and residents plan ahead of the festivities.
Tradition and Celebration
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with communal prayers early in the morning, followed by family gatherings, feasts, and acts of charity. Many people also use the holiday period to travel or visit loved ones, making it both a deeply spiritual and social occasion.
With this announcement, the UAE ensures that workers across sectors can prepare for one of the year’s most meaningful celebrations while maintaining smooth operational planning for employers and employees alike.