UAE confirms Eid Al Adha 2026 holidays for private sector employees
Eid Al Adha coincides with with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of Muslims travel to Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform the fifth pillar of Islam
Private sector employees in the UAE will receive a four-day paid holiday for Eid Al Adha 2026. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said the holiday will be observed from Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, 2026. For employees who already have Saturday and Sunday as their regular weekend, this will result in a six-day-long break.
As per the unified holiday policy, implemented in the country for both public and private sector workers, all employees are to receive equal number of breaks throughout the year. Khaleej Times has reached out to Mohre for clarification. A response was awaited at the time of this update.
Meanwhile, Sharjah government employees will enjoy an even longer break of up to 10 days on the occasion. The Sharjah government continues to operate on a 4-day workweek with a 3-day weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). This will translate the 5-day paid leave into a 10-day mini holiday.
Of course, the latest announcement may still not deter private sector employees from enjoying a longer break. With all schools and academic institutions in the UAE also set to enjoy a nine-day break, some UAE residents may opt to apply for annual leave on Monday, May 25, in order to make the most of the upcoming break
When is Eid Al Adha?
The UAE's moon-sighting committee convened on May 17 to observe the crescent of Dhul Hijjah and declared May 18 as the first day of the last month of the Islamic calendar.
Arafah Day, the most important part of the Hajj journey and a day of major spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. It will be observed on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha.
The festival coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, during which millions of Muslims travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.
