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UAE confirms Eid Al Fitr holiday dates for private sector employees
The Islamic festival marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan and is widely celebrated across the country with family gatherings, prayers, and cultural traditions
- PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Feb 2026, 12:20 PM
The UAE government has confirmed a four-day Eid Al Fitr holiday for private sector employees.
Faithful across the country began fasting for the holy month of Ramadan on February 18, and this early announcement of the Eid Al Fitr holidays allows employees and businesses to plan ahead for the festive break.
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According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), the holiday for private-sector employees will run from Thursday, March 19, to Saturday, March 21. Employees who normally work on Sundays will be required to return to work on Sunday, March 22.
The authority added that if the holy month of Ramadan lasts 30 days, the private-sector holiday will be extended to Sunday, March 22, 2026. In the UAE, Sunday is also the official weekend.
The announcement ensures that both employers and employees can prepare for the upcoming holiday, which is a key period for travel, celebrations, and community activities.
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Eid Al Fitr marks the conclusion of the holy month of fasting and is widely celebrated across the country with family gatherings, prayers, and cultural traditions.
When is Eid Al Fitr in UAE?
The exact dates for Eid Al Fitr will be confirmed after the sighting of the crescent moon. In the UAE, the moon-sighting committee is scheduled to meet on March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan, to look for the crescent that marks the start of Shawwal. If the moon is sighted on the evening of March 18, Ramadan will conclude on that day, and Eid festivities will begin on the 19th.
If the moon is not sighted, Ramadan will be completed as 30 days, meaning fasting will continue on March 19, and Eid Al Fitr will begin on March 20. This process follows the Islamic lunar calendar, in which the start of each month is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon.
How to extend 4-day-long public holiday?
If a four-day holiday is not enough, here's how, with smart planning, you can maximise this shorter break. 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 weather across the UAE and neighbouring countries remains pleasant, many residents are choosing shorter trips within the GCC instead of long international holidays.
Travel agents said that residents are increasingly planning road trips to nearby destinations like Oman and Musandam, or combining Umrah in the last 10 days of Ramadan with short leisure breaks within Saudi Arabia during the Eid holidays.
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.
