With Eid Al Adha around the corner, the UAE’s holiday dates have officially become the main topic in every office, family, friend group chats and school WhatsApp threads. Between public holiday announcements, school schedules and different weekend setups across the Emirates, things are starting to get a little tricky to navigate. If you’re questioning whether you have a 5-day weekend or a 9-day break, we’re clearing it all up for you. Keep reading because here’s the full breakdown of the UAE’s expected Eid holiday dates for 2026.
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What & When Is Arafat Day
Arafat Day, also known as the Day of Arafah, is considered one of the most spiritually significant days in Islam. It takes place on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijjah and falls just one day before Eid Al Adha. The day is closely connected to the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Worshippers observe the day through prayer, reflection and worship by Muslims around the world. Arafat itself is a mountain near Mecca, where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon during his final pilgrimage to a massive gathering of Muslims.
Arafat Day is currently expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. It is then followed by Eid Al Adha from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29. Since Arafat Day is recognised as an official public holiday in the UAE, many residents can actually end up enjoying an even longer break – once weekends are added into the mix.
When Is Eid al-Adha Expected To Begin?
The respective authorities are expected to conduct the Dhu Al Hijjah moon sighting on Saturday, May 17. Astronomical calculations suggest that the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah will likely fall on Monday, May 18.
Based on those calculations, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26, while Eid Al Adha is likely to begin on Wednesday, May 27. However, like all Islamic holidays, the final dates will only be officially confirmed after the moon sighting announcement.
5-Day Eid Holiday For Public Sector Explained
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has officially confirmed a 5-day paid Eid Al Adha holiday for public sector employees. The break will begin on Monday, May 25, and continue until Friday, May 29. Normal working hours are scheduled to resume on Monday, June 1. That means, technically, the official public holiday itself lasts five days.
So… Where Is The 9-Day Weekend Coming From?
This is where things get a little exciting. If you normally have Saturdays and Sundays off, your Eid break becomes much longer once you combine the official public holidays with the weekends before and after. Here’s how it works:
- Saturday, May 23 – Weekend
- Sunday, May 24 – Weekend
- Monday, May 25 to Friday, May 29 – Official Eid Holiday
- Saturday, May 30 – Weekend
- Sunday, May 31 – Weekend
This creates a full 9-day break for many UAE residents without needing to apply for extra leave.
What About Private Sector Employees
Private sector employees across the UAE are still waiting for the official Eid Al Adha holiday announcement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The biggest question right now is if Monday, May 25, will also be a part of the paid break.
If it is, many employees could enjoy the full 9-day holiday without needing to use annual leave. If not, some residents may receive only the core Eid holidays, from Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29.
Sharjah Residents May Get An Even Longer Break
For those who stay in Sharjah, you’re in for an even longer break. Many government employees and schools in Sharjah follow a four-day workweek with Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays off. In this way, some residents could end up enjoying a massive 10-day holiday stretch.
Private schools in Sharjah have also confirmed Eid holidays from Monday, May 25, to Thursday, May 28, with classes resuming on Monday, June 1. Once we include weekends, students and staff could enjoy up to 10 days away from school.
UAE Schools To Close For Eid
The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the third-term midterm break will run from May 25 to May 29 for students, teachers and administrative staff. That means students across the UAE are also expected to enjoy a 9-day holiday once weekends are added in. Private schools in Dubai are following the same holiday schedule, with classes resuming on Monday, June 1.
While you mentally plan your long weekend, all we need to wait for is the official moon sighting confirmation, and then you can kick off your break! Whether you’re booking a staycation, planning a quick getaway, or just looking forward to switching your work notifications off, Eid Al Adha 2026 is shaping up to be a seriously good break. And as always, keep reading Gulf Buzz for all the latest UAE holiday updates and long weekend guides.
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