Dubai has officially announced Eid Al Fitr holiday dates for public sector employees. The federal government and private sector schedules have also been confirmed. Here are the exact dates for every worker in the UAE.
What Are the Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holiday Dates for Dubai Government Employees?
Dubai Government’s Human Resources Department has confirmed:
- Holiday period: Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22 (4 days off)
- Work resumes: Monday, March 23
This gives Dubai government employees a four-day break to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.
What Are the Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holiday Dates for Federal Government Employees?
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed the same schedule for federal entities:
- Holiday period: Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22 (4 days off)
- Work resumes: Monday, March 23
This aligns with the UAE public holidays 2026 calendar previously announced.
What Are the Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holiday Dates for Private Sector Employees?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed the private sector schedule:
- Holiday period: Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21 (3 days off)
- Work resumes: Sunday, March 22 (for employees who normally work Sundays)
However, if Ramadan lasts 30 days, the private sector holiday extends to Sunday, March 22 — giving workers an additional day off with work resuming on Monday, March 23.
If you’re required to work during Eid, you’re entitled to compensation under UAE labour law. Read our guide on your rights when working during Eid Al Fitr — either an alternative day off or your regular wage plus at least 50% of your basic salary.
Will Ramadan 2026 Last 29 or 30 Days?
The UAE is set to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday, March 18, after Maghrib prayer.
The UAE-based International Astronomy Centre (IAC) has predicted that sighting the crescent on March 18 is impossible — meaning Ramadan 2026 will most likely last 30 days.
According to the IAC, the moon will set before the sun and the conjunction will occur after sunset, making crescent observation impossible on that date. Based on these calculations, the first day of Eid Al Fitr in the UAE will be Friday, March 20.
This means private sector employees are very likely to receive the extended holiday through Sunday, March 22.
Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holiday Summary
| Sector | Holiday Starts | Holiday Ends | Days Off | Work Resumes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Government | Thursday, March 19 | Sunday, March 22 | 4 days | Monday, March 23 |
| Federal Government | Thursday, March 19 | Sunday, March 22 | 4 days | Monday, March 23 |
| Private Sector | Thursday, March 19 | Saturday, March 21* | 3-4 days | Sunday, March 22* |
*If Ramadan lasts 30 days (likely), the private sector holiday extends to Sunday, March 22, with work resuming Monday, March 23.
How Does This Compare to Eid Al Fitr 2025?
Last year, Eid Al Fitr 2025 fell on March 30, with private sector employees receiving up to five days off when combined with the weekend. In 2026, the holiday falls roughly 10 days earlier in the Gregorian calendar — a reflection of the Islamic lunar calendar shifting approximately 10-11 days each year.
The reduced working hours during Ramadan — a two-hour daily reduction for all private sector employees — will end when work resumes after Eid.
Key Takeaway
Eid Al Fitr 2026 holidays run from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22 for public sector employees. Private sector workers get March 19-21, extended to March 22 if Ramadan lasts 30 days — which astronomical predictions indicate is very likely. Employees working during Eid are entitled to compensation under UAE labour law.
FAQ
When does Eid Al Fitr 2026 start in the UAE?
The first day of Eid Al Fitr is expected to be Friday, March 20, 2026, based on astronomical calculations. The official confirmation depends on the Shawwal crescent moon sighting on Wednesday, March 18.
How many days off do private sector employees get for Eid Al Fitr 2026?
Private sector employees receive three days off (March 19-21). If Ramadan lasts 30 days — which the International Astronomy Centre predicts is likely — the holiday extends by one day to Sunday, March 22.
Do I get paid if I work during Eid Al Fitr in the UAE?
Yes. Under UAE labour law, employees working during public holidays must receive either an alternative day off or their regular daily wage plus a minimum 50% increase of basic salary for each holiday worked.
When is the Shawwal moon sighting for 2026?
The crescent moon sighting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, after Maghrib prayer. The International Astronomy Centre has predicted that sighting will be impossible on this date, meaning Ramadan will last 30 days and Eid will begin on March 20.
Do Eid holiday dates apply to free zone employees?
Yes. UAE public holiday schedules apply to all employees across the UAE, including those working in free zones. The specific holiday dates announced by MoHRE cover private sector workers throughout the country.
Can the Eid holiday be transferred to create a longer weekend?
No. The UAE’s holiday transfer provision applies only to New Year’s Day and National Day. Eid holidays maintain their traditional timing based on Islamic calendar observations and cannot be moved.
Further Reading
- When Is Ramadan 2026 in UAE? Start Date, Eid Holiday and Fasting Hours
- UAE Public Holidays 2026: 12 Days Off & Long Weekend Guide
- UAE Public Holidays 2026: 6-Day Break & Transferable Dates
- Working During Eid Al Fitr: Your Rights & Compensation Under UAE Labour Law
- UAE Ramadan Working Hours: Employee Rights & Overtime Rules
- Ramadan 2026 Dubai Mall and Cinema Hours
JobXDubai 
Leave a comment