Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holidays in UAE: Official Dates for Public and Private Sector

Eid Al Fitr is one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations in the United Arab Emirates. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth for Muslims around the world. For businesses and employees in the UAE, knowing the official holiday dates is essential for planning work schedules, travel, and family gatherings.

The official Eid Al Fitr 2026 holidays were announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, confirming the approved schedule for both federal government employees and private sector staff.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the holiday dates, moon-sighting updates, potential extended breaks, festive preparations, and tips for businesses and employees to make the most of this important time.

Official Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holiday Dates

Federal Government Employees

For employees working in federal ministries and government entities, the holiday has been officially set as:

• Start of holiday: Thursday, March 19, 2026

• End of holiday: Sunday, March 22, 2026

• Return to work: Monday, March 23, 2026

This provides federal government staff with a four-day break, allowing ample time for family gatherings, travel, and celebration. Many government offices often plan their schedules in advance around these holidays, ensuring that essential services continue smoothly while employees enjoy their festive break.

Private Sector Employees

For private sector employees, the official holiday dates are slightly different:

• Start of holiday: Thursday, March 19, 2026

• End of holiday: Saturday, March 21, 2026

Employees who regularly work on Sundays will need to resume work on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Authorities have also clarified that if the holy month of Ramadan completes 30 days, the private sector holiday will extend to Sunday, March 22, 2026. This ensures that private sector staff have a similar festive break to their public sector counterparts.

These dates apply across all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, following established guidelines for holiday schedules.

Moon Sighting and Confirmation of Eid

Although the holiday dates are officially announced, the exact day of Eid Al Fitr depends on the sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal), in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar.

The UAE’s official moon-sighting committee will meet on March 18, 2026 (the 29th day of Ramadan) to observe the crescent moon marking the start of Shawwal.

• If the crescent moon is sighted on March 18 evening, Ramadan will conclude, and Eid celebrations will begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

  
  

• If the moon is not sighted, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will start on Friday, March 20, 2026.

This system ensures that the observance of Ramadan and Eid is in line with traditional Islamic practices, allowing Muslims to celebrate the festival on the correct day.

How to Maximise Your Eid Holiday

Many employees in the UAE plan strategically to extend their Eid break. For example, by applying for annual leave from Monday, March 16 to Thursday, March 19, 2026, it is possible to enjoy a nine-day holiday from Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, including weekends and official Eid holidays.

This long break is perfect for domestic travel, visiting family, or taking part in cultural events across the UAE. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi often host special Eid markets, family activities, and entertainment programs during this festive period.

Festive Preparations Across the UAE

As Ramadan nears its end, the festive spirit of Eid becomes visible across the country. Businesses, retailers, and families all begin preparations well in advance.

• Retailers and malls: Shops are restocking Eid collections, sweets, and gifts to meet the high demand.

  
  

• Tailors and clothing stores: Many have already stopped taking new orders due to early demand for Eid outfits.

  
  

• Families: Homes are being decorated, and shopping for gifts and festive meals is underway.

  
  

• Community events: Mosques and community centers prepare special prayers and charity drives, reinforcing the values of giving and reflection.

This early preparation ensures that both residents and citizens can celebrate Eid comfortably and enjoy the festive days without last-minute stress.

The Significance of Eid Al Fitr in the UAE

Eid Al Fitr is not just a public holiday; it is a time of togetherness, reflection, and community. Traditionally, it is marked by:

• Charitable giving: Muslims perform Zakat Al Fitr, giving to the needy before the Eid prayers.

• Family gatherings: Homes fill with relatives and friends sharing meals and gifts.

• Cultural celebrations: Communities organize events, fairs, and entertainment for all ages.

In the UAE, Eid transcends cultural boundaries, with residents from different nationalities joining in the celebrations, reflecting the country’s multicultural environment.

How Businesses Can Prepare

For businesses operating during Eid, planning is key:

• Adjust employee schedules in advance to account for public and private sector holidays.

• Ensure essential services remain available if required.

• Coordinate with clients and partners to communicate holiday schedules.

• Plan HR and payroll tasks considering the holiday break.

Proper planning ensures smooth operations and reduces disruption during this festive period.

About Sundus

At Sundus, we help businesses in the UAE manage workforce needs efficiently. From HR outsourcing and payroll management to staffing solutions and recruitment, Sundus ensures your operations run smoothly even during festive seasons like Eid.

Whether you need support planning around public holidays, managing seasonal staffing, or hiring top talent, Sundus provides tailored solutions to help your business succeed. Our team combines local expertise with practical strategies to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Visit our website at https://www.sundusglobal.com/ learn how Sundus can support your business all year round.

References

• Federal Authority for Government Human Resources – Official announcement on federal government holiday dates.

• Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation – Official confirmation of private sector holiday schedule.

• Khaleej Times – Coverage of UAE Eid Al Fitr 2026 holidays.

FAQs: Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holidays in UAE

1. When is Eid Al Fitr 2026 in the UAE?

   Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026, depending on the official crescent moon sighting. If the moon is not sighted, Eid will start on Friday, March 20, 2026.

   
   

2. What are the official holiday dates for federal government employees?

   Federal government employees will have a four-day holiday from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, resuming work on Monday, March 23.

   
   

3. What are the Eid holidays for private sector employees?

   Private sector staff will have a three-day break from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21, 2026. Employees working on Sundays will return on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

   
   

4. Can employees extend their Eid break?

   Yes. By taking annual leave from March 16 to 19, employees can enjoy a nine-day break from March 14 to March 22, including weekends and official Eid holidays.

   
   

5. How can Sundus support businesses during Eid?

   Sundus offers HR outsourcing, payroll management, staffing, and recruitment solutions in the UAE. We help businesses manage workforce needs efficiently, stay compliant, and plan around holidays like Eid Al Fitr. Learn more at www.sundusglobal.com.