Eid Al Adha 2026 holiday dates announced for UAE private sector
Federal government employees granted longer festive break
ABU DHABI – The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced a four-day paid holiday for private sector employees across the UAE in observance of Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha.
The break will be observed from 26 May to 29 May 2026. Normal working hours are scheduled to resume on 1 June.
The announcement follows the UAE Cabinet resolution on official public holidays, setting the framework for the Eid period across the country.
Eid holiday
The ministry confirmed that private sector employees will enjoy a continuous paid break from Tuesday, 26 May, through Friday, 29 May, covering Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha. The decision aligns with the national holiday calendar and ensures uniform observance across workplaces.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that from Tuesday, 26 May to Friday, 29 May will be a paid official holiday for all private sector employees in the UAE, on the occasion of Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha.
— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) May 18, 2026
Eid Mubarak! #MOHRE #UAE pic.twitter.com/I8xHIDrR3n
Meanwhile, the federal government sector will receive a longer five-day break, beginning Monday, 25 May and continuing until Friday, 29 May. Government employees will also return to work on Monday, 1 June, matching the private sector resumption schedule.
Employees required to work during official holidays will be compensated in accordance with UAE labour regulations, ensuring compliance with employment rights and standards.
Moon sighting
The UAE confirmed the sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent moon on Sunday evening, marking the beginning of the Islamic month on 18 May 2026. The confirmation followed reports from official sighting committees, observatories, and astronomical centres operating under a coordinated national system.
Eid Al Adha will fall on 27 May 2026, corresponding to the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijjah, while the Day of Arafah will be observed on 26 May. These dates set the framework for the Hajj season and Eid celebrations across the country.
School breaks
Students and staff across the UAE will benefit from an extended Eid Al Adha holiday period, with school closures reaching up to nine days in some cases. The Ministry of Education confirmed the break from 25 to 29 May, with classes resuming on 1 June.
Private schools in Dubai will follow the same schedule, while institutions in Sharjah are set to enjoy breaks of up to 10 days, including weekends, offering families a longer festive pause.