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Explained: Why UAE residents will get 4-day Eid Al Fitr break this year
The UAE confirmed that the holy month will start on February 18, and with 29 to 30 days to go, the country is settling into the tempo of a potential long break
- PUBLISHED: Wed 18 Feb 2026, 2:30 PM UPDATED: Thu 19 Feb 2026, 4:00 PM
As faithful across the UAE begin fasting on February 18 and ease into the rhythm of Ramadan 2026, there's an unusual calm in the air, a gentle shift in routine, yet a rising anticipation of what awaits at the end of the month.
With 29 to 30 days to go, the country is settling into the spiritual tempo of Ramadan and quietly looking forward to a potential long Eid Al Fitr holiday — a welcome break many are already looking forward to.
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According to the UAE public holiday calendar, the break will be from Shawwal 1 to 3 and will be observed depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent. In 2026, this non-transferable Islamic holiday is expected to fall from Friday to Sunday, March 20-22.
4-day Eid Al Fitr break possible
The exact dates will be confirmed after the Shawwal crescent moon is sighted by official committees when they convene on the 29th day of Ramadan, which falls on March 18.
If the crescent of Shawwal is sighted on March 18 (29 Ramadan), Eid Al Fitr will be declared the following day, March 19. This would translate into a four-day break for UAE residents, from March 19 to March 22, with Sunday falling on the official weekend in the Emirates.
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If the crescent is not sighted on March 18, Ramadan will run for the full 30 days, and Eid will begin on Friday, March 20; however, residents will still get four‑day break. According to a UAE Cabinet resolution, "If the month of Ramadan completes 30 days, day 30 of Ramadan shall be deemed an official holiday added to the Eid Al Fitr holiday". So, irrespective of when the moon is sighted, residents are due for a long weekend at the end of the holy month.
How to get long public holiday in UAE
But with smart planning, residents can still maximise this shorter off. By requesting annual leave from Monday to Thursday, March 16-19, it is possible to enjoy nine days off, from Saturday, March 14, through Sunday, March 22, including weekends and the Eid holidays.
As the country marks the beginning of this sacred month of fasting, reflection, and togetherness, many will already be looking forward to the festive days that await at its close.
Tailors have already stopped taking new orders for Eid outfits, shops are restocking shelves for the season, and early signs of celebration ripple through neighbourhoods long before the first crescent of Shawwal appears.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.