UAE Eid 2027 Holidays: Expected Dates and a Possible Six-Day Break
Astronomers expect Eid Al Fitr 2027 on March 9 or 10, and a possible six-day break for some UAE residents. Here are the tentative dates and how to plan leave around them.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
UAE residents could enjoy a six-day Eid Al Fitr break in March 2027 if Ramadan lasts 30 days, according to early astronomical forecasts reported by Gulf News. Eid Al Fitr is expected on Tuesday, March 9, or Wednesday, March 10, 2027, while Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha are expected to bring a four-day public holiday from May 15 to May 18.
These are estimates, not official dates: UAE authorities confirm the holidays only after crescent moon sightings.
Eid Al Fitr 2027: the two possible dates
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society, told Al Khaleej newspaper in October that Ramadan is expected to last either 29 or 30 days. Which one it is decides when Eid starts:
- March 9: if the Shawwal crescent is sighted on the evening of March 8, Ramadan ends after 29 days.
- March 10: if the crescent is not sighted, Ramadan completes 30 days and Eid begins the following day.
Gulf News reported that astronomical calculations point to the Eid Al Fitr break possibly beginning on March 10 if Ramadan runs the full 30 days.
How a six-day break could happen
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, both Eid holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar. Unlike some other national holidays, they cannot be moved to the start or end of a week to create a longer weekend.
Public and private sector employees get three paid days off for Eid Al Fitr, covering the first three days of Shawwal. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the 30th day is also a public holiday, which stretches the break to four days.
For 2027, that would mean:
- March 9: Ramadan 30 (public holiday)
- March 10 to 12: Eid Al Fitr
- The weekend straight after: for those on a Saturday-Sunday schedule
That adds up to six days off, from March 9 to 14, subject to official confirmation. If Ramadan ends after 29 days instead, the break is shorter. For how the rules worked this year, see UAE Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holiday Dates Confirmed: Public and Private Sector Schedules.
Eid Al Adha 2027: expected May dates
Arafah Day is expected to be followed by three days of Eid Al Adha, giving a four-day public holiday from May 15 to May 18, 2027. The exact dates depend on the official sighting of the Dhu Al Hijja crescent moon.
How to plan your leave around Eid 2027
Because the dates can shift by a day, build in some flexibility:
- Pencil in both Eid Al Fitr scenarios. Plan around March 9 and March 10 and keep bookings changeable.
- Talk to your manager early. Raise any annual leave you want to add to the Eid break well ahead. It helps to know whether UAE employers can deny combining Eid holidays with annual leave.
- Check your own working week. The six-day figure assumes a Saturday-Sunday weekend.
- Know your rights if you are rostered on. Read up on working on UAE public holidays before the rota is set.
- Avoid non-refundable bookings until the official announcement.
Key takeaway
Eid Al Fitr 2027 is expected on March 9 or 10, with a possible six-day break from March 9 to 14 if Ramadan lasts 30 days. Eid Al Adha is expected to bring four days off from May 15 to 18. All dates are tentative until UAE authorities confirm them after the moon sightings.
FAQ
When is Eid Al Fitr 2027 in the UAE?
Astronomical forecasts point to Tuesday, March 9, or Wednesday, March 10, 2027. The exact date depends on whether the Shawwal crescent is sighted on the evening of March 8.
How many days off will UAE employees get for Eid Al Fitr 2027?
Three paid days, covering the first three days of Shawwal. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the 30th day is also a holiday, making four days, or six with a Saturday-Sunday weekend.
When is Eid Al Adha 2027 in the UAE?
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha are expected to bring a four-day public holiday from May 15 to May 18, 2027, depending on the sighting of the Dhu Al Hijja crescent.
Are the 2027 Eid dates official?
Not yet. They are tentative dates based on astronomical calculations, and the relevant UAE government authorities will confirm them after crescent moon sightings.
Further reading
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