The UAE has announced the dates for both the public and private sector for Eid Al Fitr 2026
If you’re already planning your next break, here’s one to mark in the diary. The UAE has officially confirmed the Eid Al Fitr public holiday dates for 2026, and depending on the moon sighting, many residents and a citizens are in for a long weekend.
The announcement applies to both public and private sector employees, giving workers across the country a clearer idea of when they’ll be celebrating the end of Ramadan. While the exact length of the break will still depend on the lunar calendar, the confirmed start date means it’s the perfect time to start planning a short getaway, family gathering or simply some well-earned rest.
The holiday schedule was announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
When is the Eid break in 2026?
Employees across the UAE will begin their Eid holiday on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
- Public sector: Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22
- Private sector: Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21 if Ramadan lasts 29 days
- If Ramadan runs for 30 days, private sector staff will also be off until Sunday, March 22
That means many residents and citizens could enjoy a long weekend, or even longer, depending on the moon sighting.
Why the exact dates can change
Final confirmation depends on the decision of the UAE Moon-sighting committee, which checks for the new crescent moon after sunset on the 29th night of Ramadan. The Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles rather than fixed dates, so months begin only once the new moon is officially sighted.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and celebrates the completion of a month of fasting. The name translates to “festival of breaking the fast”, and it falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar.
It’s one of the most important celebrations of the year and usually brings one of the longest public holiday breaks in the UAE.
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