Eid Al Adha 2026 holiday dates in the UAE
The UAE gave public sector and private sector employees different lengths of break for Eid Al Adha 2026. Arafat Day fell on Tuesday 26 May and Eid Al Adha on Wednesday 27 May. Everyone returned to work on Monday 1 June.
| Group | Holiday | Break with weekends |
|---|---|---|
| Federal and public sector | Monday 25 to Friday 29 May (five days), announced on 12 May by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources | Nine days, from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May |
| Private sector | Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May (four days), announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation | Six days, or nine with one day of annual leave on Monday 25 May |
| Schools | Mid-term break, Monday 25 to Friday 29 May | Classes resumed Monday 1 June |
Sharjah government employees received a longer break of 10 days. Dubai Government departments followed the five-day public sector dates: see the Dubai Government closures.
How the date was set
Eid Al Adha follows the Hijri calendar, so Dhu Al Hijjah began after moon sighting and Arafat Day came on the ninth day of the month. Eid holidays cannot be moved under the Cabinet’s transfer rule. See our 2026 holiday round-up and the 2027 calendar, where Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha are expected from 15 to 18 May.
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