UAE public sector have the following holidays for Eid Al Adha 2026
The UAE has officially announced the Eid Al Adha 2026 holidays for the public sector, with federal government employees to enjoy a five-day break. Based on current projections, the holiday is set to run from Tuesday, May 26 for Arafat Day through Friday, May 29 for Eid Al Adha however the public sector also have Monday off.
Because the break falls alongside the weekend, many workers will enjoy a nine-day holiday in total before returning to work on Monday, June 1.
The dates remain subject to official moon sighting confirmation, but astronomers in the UAE are predicting Eid Al Adha will begin on Wednesday, May 27.
What the moon sighting means for the UAE
The sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent officially marks the beginning of the final month in the Islamic calendar. It also determines the dates for the Day of Arafah and Eid Al Adha 2026. In practical terms, it’s the announcement many residents wait for before locking in travel plans, staycations and time off with family and friends.
Expected dates in the UAE
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, the new moon of Dhu Al Hijjah is expected to be born at 12.01am UAE time on Sunday May 17.
Based on astronomical calculations, Monday May 18 is likely to be confirmed as the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah. If officially confirmed after the moon sighting, the Day of Arafah would fall on Tuesday May 26, with Eid Al Adha expected to begin on Wednesday May 27.
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