Unfortunately, sometimes long weekends don’t let you switch off. While most people across the UAE will be spending Eid Al Adha relaxing, travelling, or planning family gatherings, others might still find themselves replying to office emails, covering shifts, or heading into work during the public holiday. But if you are working during the Eid break, the UAE Labour Law requires you to be compensated properly. That means you’re either given extra pay or an additional day off. So before you agree to work during the long weekend, here’s everything you need to know about your rights and entitlements during the long Eid break.
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When Is Eid Al Adha 2026 In The UAE?
Eid Al Adha is expected to fall on Wednesday, 27 May, 2026, with Arafat Day taking place on Tuesday, May 26. To mark the occasion, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) announced a four-day paid holiday for private sector employees across the UAE. The break begins on Tuesday, 26 May, and continues until Friday, 29 May. Regular working hours are expected to resume on Monday, June 1.
UAE Labour Law Rules On Working During Public Holidays
Private-sector employees in the UAE are protected under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which governs employment relationships nationwide. Under Article 28 of the law, employees are entitled to fully paid public holidays. However, if work requirements necessitate an employee working on an official holiday, the employer must compensate them accordingly. Basically, if you are working while everyone else is off celebrating Eid, you are legally entitled to receive compensation.
The Two Ways Employers Must Compensate You
According to UAE Labour Law, employers must provide one of these two compensation options for every public holiday worked:
1. Compensatory Day Off
Employees can receive another paid rest day in exchange for working during the holiday. This substitute leave is separate from annual leave and should not affect your existing holiday balance.
2. Extra Holiday Pay
Employers may also choose to compensate employees financially instead. In this case, workers must receive their regular daily wage plus an additional payment worth at least 50 per cent of their basic salary for that day. Some employment contracts may offer even higher compensation depending on company policy.
Can Employers Choose Which Option To Give?
The employer generally decides whether compensation is provided as substitute leave or additional pay. However, whichever option is chosen, it must still meet the minimum requirements outlined under the UAE Labour Law.
What Happens If You’re Not Compensated Properly?
Now, there are some nasty cases where you work during Eid Al Adha and do not receive either additional pay or a substitute day off. In that case, you can first raise the issue directly with your employer or HR department. If the matter remains unresolved, employees can file a complaint with MOHRE, which handles labour disputes in the UAE private sector. The authority can review the complaint and attempt to mediate between the parties.
While not ideal, sometimes logging off work during a public holiday is unavoidable. In that case, you can at least make sure your rights are being respected. And of course, stay tuned to Gulf Buzz for more UAE updates, holiday hacks, and everything you need to know before the long weekend begins.
Need To Switch Off For A While But Don’t Want To Travel? Check These 17 Best Eid Staycation Deals In The UAE To Book Now!
