Eid Al Adha 2026: Will UAE Residents Get a Six-Day Break?
UAE residents can look forward to at least a 6-day break, with public sector workers and many others enjoying up to 9 days. It’s one of the longest holidays of the year, perfect for family trips, beach days, or relaxing at home.
Official Eid Al Adha 2026 Dates in UAE
Here are the confirmed and expected dates (subject to final moon sighting):
- Arafah Day (9 Dhul Hijjah): Tuesday, 26 May 2026 (Public Holiday)
- Eid Al Adha Day 1 (10 Dhul Hijjah): Wednesday, 27 May 2026
- Eid Al Adha Day 2: Thursday, 28 May 2026
- Eid Al Adha Day 3: Friday, 29 May 2026
How the Break Adds Up for UAE Residents
Group |
Holiday Days |
Total Break with Weekends |
Extra Tip for Longer Break |
|
General Public/Private Sector |
Tue 26 - Fri 29 May |
6 days (Tue 26 - Sun 31 May) |
Take Mon 25 May off for 9 days |
|
Public Sector Employees |
Mon 25 - Fri 29 May |
9 days (Sat 23 - Sun 31 May) |
Perfect long holiday |
|
Schools (e.g. Dubai) |
Mon 25 - Fri 29 May |
9 days |
Families can plan together |
Tips to Make the Most of Your Eid Al Adha 2026 Break
- Book early: Flights and hotels fill up fast for long weekends.
- Request leave smartly: One extra day (Monday 25 May) can give you 9 full days off.
- Plan family activities: Beach picnics, desert safaris, or home gatherings.
- Support local businesses: Shop for Eid clothes and sweets from UAE malls and markets.
- Give back: Donate or join charity drives, it’s the true spirit of Eid.
FAQs
Q1: Is Eid Al Adha 2026 a public holiday in UAE?
Yes. Arafah Day and three days of Eid are official paid holidays for both public and private sectors.
Q2: Will private sector companies follow the same dates?
Most do, following Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation guidelines. Check with your employer for exact details.
Q3: Can I get more than 6 days off?
Absolutely! Many people take Monday 25 May as annual leave for a full 9-day break. Public sector workers already get this.
Q4: When will the exact dates be confirmed?
Moon sighting usually happens around 17 May 2026. Current dates are based on reliable astronomical predictions and are very likely to stand.
Q5: Are schools closed during Eid Al Adha 2026?
Yes, private schools in Dubai and other emirates have announced closures aligning with the public holidays, often giving 9 days total.
Q6: What is Arafah Day?
It is the day before Eid, a very important day of Hajj. It is a public holiday across the UAE.










