UAE officials have announced the official Eid al-Fitr holiday dates for federal government employees and the private sector. The holidays will start on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and residents of the UAE can plan for up to 9 consecutive days off.

For federal government employees, the Eid al-Fitr holidays will last from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22, with work resuming on Monday, March 23. Private sector employees will also have holidays from Thursday, March 19, to Saturday, March 21.

Officials stated that if Ramadan lasts for 30 days, the private sector holidays will be extended until Sunday, March 22. This determination depends on the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal.

The UAE Crescent Sighting Committee will meet on the 29th of Ramadan, corresponding to March 18. If the crescent is sighted on the night of March 18, Eid al-Fitr will be on March 19; otherwise, fasting will continue until March 19, and Eid will begin on March 20.

For those who wish to maximize their Eid al-Fitr holidays, taking annual leave from Monday to Wednesday, March 16 to 18, will allow for a total of 9 consecutive days off from Saturday, March 14, to Sunday, March 22.

Source: Gulf Times