The United Arab Emirates has officially confirmed the public holiday dates for Eid Al-Fitr in 2026, with residents set to receive a four-day weekend. The announcement, made by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, provides clarity for public sector employees and sets expectations for the private sector. The holiday period is scheduled to begin on Friday, March 27, 2026, and will conclude on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Official Holiday Schedule
According to the official circular, work will resume on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The holiday is granted to all ministries and federal entities. The dates are based on astronomical calculations for the sighting of the Shawwal moon, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The UAE Cabinet typically issues a similar holiday decree for private sector employees, which is expected to align closely with the public sector announcement.
Regional and Economic Implications
The confirmed long weekend is anticipated to spur domestic tourism and travel within the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Airlines and hospitality providers often see a significant increase in bookings following such announcements. The timing allows families to plan gatherings and travel well in advance, providing a boost to the local economy during the spring period.
Eid Al-Fitr is one of the two major Islamic festivals, celebrated with prayers, feasts, and the giving of charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. The holiday’s dates shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each year within the Gregorian calendar, as they are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar.
Planning and Preparations
Government entities and private companies are advised to plan their workflow and service coverage around the announced dates. Early confirmation allows for efficient operational planning and minimizes disruption to business continuity. Residents are similarly enabled to make informed decisions regarding travel and family events.
The announcement follows the established protocol of the UAE government in providing early notice of official holidays, a practice appreciated by citizens, residents, and the business community for facilitating advanced planning.
Looking Ahead
The next official holiday on the UAE calendar following Eid Al-Fitr 2026 will be Eid Al-Adha, which is projected to fall in late May or early June of that year, pending official moon sighting committees. The authorities are expected to issue a formal decree regarding the Eid Al-Adha holiday closer to the date, following the same procedural standards for transparency and early communication.
Source: UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources
