The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Federal Government Human Resources Authority, together with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, has officially declared Eid al-Fitr holiday dates for both federal government employees and private sector employees.
For people in federal government entities, the Eid Al Fitr break is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026 and extend until Sunday, March 22, 2026. Standard operations are scheduled to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026. Meanwhile, private sector workers will observe the holiday from Thursday, March 19, 2026, to Sunday, March 21, 2026. on Saturday 22nd March, they are expected to return to their seats on Sunday 22nd March.
The authorities further noted that if the holy month of Ramadan completes its 30-day cycle, the private sector holidays will be extended to Sunday, March 22. This directive applies in all emirates in accordance with established protocols for coordinating public and private holidays.
When will UAE celebrate Eid?
The final dates of the festival depend on the traditional observation crescent. In the United Arab Emirates, a moon sighting committee will meet on March 18 – the 29th day of Ramadan – to look for the sliver of the new moon that signals the start of Shawwal. If the crescent is visible on the evening of March 18, Ramadan ends that night and Eid celebrations officially begin on March 19.
However, if the moon remains invisible, Ramadan ends after 30 days. In this scenario, fasting continues until March 19 and Eid Al Fitr begins on March 20. This methodology strictly adheres to the Islamic lunar calendar, where the arrival of each new moon is dictated by celestial observation.
Planning a 9-day public holiday in the UAE?
For those looking for a longer respite than a four-day break, strategic planning can maximize time off. By applying for annual leave from Monday 16 March to Thursday 19 March, residents can effectively secure nine days of leave. This extended period runs from Saturday 14 March to Sunday 22 March, bridging the weekends with the official Eid dates.
As the nation enters this sacred month of fasting and introspection, many residents are already anticipating the joyous festivities that mark its conclusion. Local tailors have stopped accepting new commissions for eid clothes, retailers are replenishing their stocks due to the seasonal rush and a sense of celebration begins to permeate the neighborhoods long before the Shawwal crescent appears.
