Private sector workers to get paid holiday break for Eid Al Adha; employees working during the public holiday must receive compensation as per labour regulations.
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has officially announced the Eid Al Adha holiday schedule for private sector employees across the UAE, confirming a four-day paid break for workers in observance of Arafat Day and Eid celebrations.
According to the announcement, the holiday period for private sector employees will begin on Tuesday, May 26, and continue through Friday, May 29, with normal working hours resuming on Monday, June 1.
The announcement aligns with the UAE’s official public holiday calendar and follows confirmation of the Dhu Al Hijjah moon sighting earlier this week.
Public Sector Employees to Receive Five-Day Break
Earlier, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed that public sector employees will receive a five-day paid holiday.
The break for federal government workers will run from Monday, May 25, through Friday, May 29, with work resuming on Monday, June 1.
The slightly longer holiday period for public sector employees reflects the inclusion of an additional day ahead of Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha celebrations.
UAE Confirms Dhu Al Hijjah Moon Sighting
The UAE officially confirmed the sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent moon on Sunday evening following observations conducted by national moon-sighting committees, astronomy specialists, and observatories operating across the country.
Authorities stated that Monday, May 18, 2026, marks the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH in the UAE.
The confirmation also establishes the official timeline for both the Hajj pilgrimage season and Eid Al Adha celebrations throughout the country.
Based on the Islamic lunar calendar, Arafat Day will fall on Tuesday, May 26, while Eid Al Adha will begin on Wednesday, May 27.
Employees Working During Holidays Must Be Compensated
Under UAE labor regulations, employees required to work during official public holidays must receive compensation in accordance with the country’s labor law framework.
Typically, workers scheduled during official holidays are entitled either to an alternative day off or additional compensation, depending on employer arrangements and operational requirements.
The UAE’s labor framework continues to emphasize employee welfare and holiday protections across both public and private sectors.
UAE Schools to Receive Extended Eid Break
The Eid holiday period will also coincide with the third-term midterm school break across the UAE.
Ministry of Education confirmed that schools will close from May 25 through May 29, with classes resuming on June 1.
Dubai private schools are expected to follow the same schedule, while some schools in Sharjah may receive up to 10 days off once weekends are included.
The overlap between Eid holidays and the academic calendar is expected to increase travel activity across the UAE during the holiday period, particularly among families planning regional or international trips.
Holiday Period Expected to Boost Travel and Retail Activity
Eid Al Adha remains one of the UAE’s busiest travel and retail periods each year, with airlines, hotels, malls, and hospitality businesses typically recording a significant rise in consumer activity.
The extended holiday period is expected to support domestic tourism, shopping activity, and outbound travel demand, particularly as schools and workplaces close simultaneously.
For many residents, the four-day Eid break also creates the possibility of longer travel plans by combining weekends and annual leave days around the official holiday schedule.
Source: Gulf News
