The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation have officially announced the Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday schedule for federal government and private sector employees across the UAE. Through this joint statement, authorities have clearly outlined the approved holiday dates.
However, they also confirmed that the final start date of Eid remains subject to the official moon sighting at the end of Ramadan, in line with established religious practice.
Federal Government Holiday Dates
For employees in federal government entities, the Eid Al Fitr holiday will begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and continue until Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Official working hours will resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Private Sector Holiday Dates
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation have officially announced the Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday schedule for federal government and private sector employees across the UAE. Through this joint statement, authorities have clearly outlined the approved holiday dates.
However, they also confirmed that the final start date of Eid remains subject to the official moon sighting at the end of Ramadan, in line with established religious practice.
When Will Eid Be Confirmed?
Although authorities have announced the holiday schedule, the exact start of Eid Al Fitr ultimately depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.
The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will meet on March 18, 2026, the 29th day of Ramadan, to determine the official date. If the crescent appears on the evening of March 18, Ramadan will conclude that day, and Eid will begin on March 19.
However, if the moon is not sighted, Ramadan will last 30 days. In that case, fasting will continue on March 19, and Eid Al Fitr will begin on March 20.
This process follows the Islamic lunar calendar, under which each month officially begins with the physical sighting of the new crescent, ensuring that religious observances align with traditional astronomical practice.
Can Residents Plan a Longer Break?
With careful leave planning, residents can significantly extend their holiday break. By applying for annual leave from Monday to Thursday, March 16 to March 19, employees could enjoy up to nine consecutive days off, from Saturday, March 14, through Sunday, March 22, combining weekends with the Eid Al Fitr break.
Meanwhile, as Ramadan draws to a close, preparations for Eid are already gaining momentum across the United Arab Emirates. Retail stores are restocking festive collections, tailoring shops are closing new orders due to high demand, and families are organizing gatherings ahead of the official moon sighting.
