Let’s take a look at the UAE Announces Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holiday Dates for Public and Private Sectors. The UAE government has officially announced the holiday dates for Eid Al Fitr 2026, granting employees in both the public and private sectors an extended break to celebrate the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed the schedule today, following the UAE Cabinet’s unified holiday policy, which ensures equal days off for both sectors.
Holiday Schedule
The official holiday for all employees is set to begin on Thursday, March 19, 2026 (29 Ramadan). The duration of the break will depend on the sighting of the new crescent moon, which determines whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
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Public Sector: Federal government employees will enjoy a four-day break starting from Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22. Work is expected to resume on Monday, March 23.
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Private Sector: Employees in the private sector are also granted a paid holiday starting Thursday, March 19.
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If Ramadan is 29 days, the holiday will run until Saturday, March 21 (Shawwal 3).
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If Ramadan completes 30 days, the holiday will extend until Sunday, March 22.
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Moon Sighting and Confirmation
While the dates have been announced based on astronomical calculations, the final confirmation of the first day of Shawwal (Eid Al Fitr) remains subject to the UAE Moon Sighting Committee. The committee will meet after sunset on the 29th day of Ramadan to look for the crescent moon.
A Unified Celebration
Eid Al Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a significant time in the Islamic calendar marked by morning prayers, family gatherings, and charitable giving. By aligning the holidays for both sectors, the UAE government aims to foster social harmony and allow all residents to plan their celebrations and travel with family.
Authorities have encouraged the public to stay tuned to official channels for the final moon-sighting announcement, which will confirm the exact end of Ramadan.