The United Arab Emirates has officially announced the Eid Al Fitr holiday schedule for both federal government entities and private sector employees, outlining several days off in March 2026 as the country prepares to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
According to authorities, federal government employees will observe the holiday beginning Thursday, March 19, continuing through Sunday, March 22. Regular working hours are set to resume on Monday, March 23, giving public sector staff a four-day break.
Private sector workers will receive a slightly shorter holiday. Their leave will run from Thursday, March 19, until Saturday, March 21, as per the country’s established holiday framework that differentiates between government and private entities.
Officials added that the private sector break could be extended by an additional day. If Ramadan lasts a full 30 days, the holiday would automatically continue through Sunday, March 22, aligning private sector leave with the public sector schedule.
The announcement applies nationwide and follows standard guidelines for religious holidays observed across the Emirates. Employers are expected to comply with the dates and adjust staffing and operations accordingly.
For many residents, the confirmed dates have sparked early plans for travel and family gatherings. With careful scheduling of annual leave, employees may be able to stretch the break into a longer holiday period.
By requesting leave from Monday to Thursday, March 16 to 19, workers can effectively combine weekends with the Eid holidays. This strategy could result in a continuous nine-day break from Saturday, March 14, through Sunday, March 22.
Such extended holidays are popular among families planning short trips abroad or staycations within the country, particularly during major festive seasons. Travel agencies and hotels often see a rise in bookings during Eid.
As Ramadan progresses, signs of preparation are already visible in neighborhoods and shopping districts. Tailors have reportedly stopped accepting new orders for custom Eid outfits due to high demand, while retailers are restocking shelves with festive clothing, sweets, and decorations.
Supermarkets and malls are also witnessing increased footfall as residents prepare gifts and food for gatherings. The anticipation reflects the cultural and spiritual importance of Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of a month of fasting, reflection, and charity.
Meanwhile, the exact start of Eid will depend on the official moon-sighting process. The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will convene on the 29th day of Ramadan, expected to fall on March 18, to observe the crescent moon that signals the beginning of Shawwal.
If the crescent is sighted that evening, Ramadan will conclude on March 18 and Eid celebrations will begin the next day. If not, the month will be completed as 30 days, extending fasting by one more day and shifting Eid to March 20.
This practice follows the Islamic lunar calendar, where each month begins with the visual sighting of the new moon rather than a fixed date. As a result, final holiday confirmation is typically issued shortly before the festival.
Local media outlets, including Khaleej Times, have encouraged residents to stay updated on official announcements and moon-sighting results to plan their schedules accordingly.
With Ramadan well underway and Eid approaching, the combination of spiritual observance and holiday anticipation is already shaping plans for millions across the Emirates.
For many, the confirmed dates not only signal a religious celebration but also offer a welcome opportunity to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and make the most of a potential long spring break.