Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha 2026 dates in UAE: Long weekends and public holidays explained

Many people in the UAE are already planning their holidays for next year. Families want to travel, visit relatives, or relax at home. The biggest and longest public holidays in the UAE are Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. These two Eids make up most of the 12 official public holidays in the country.

Eid holidays follow the Islamic Hijri calendar. This calendar depends on moon sightings, so the dates cannot be changed. The government confirms the final dates closer to the time. Still, experts use science and astronomy to predict when these holidays are likely to fall. Here is a simple guide to the expected Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha dates in the UAE for 2026.

Eid Al Fitr 2026 in UAE: Possible four-day long weekend

Eid Al Fitr in 2026 is expected to begin on Friday, March 20. This date is based on current astronomical predictions. According to experts, the moon that starts Ramadan 1447 AH is expected to be seen on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. If this happens, Ramadan will likely begin on Thursday, February 19.

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Ramadan may last for 30 days. If Ramadan is completed for the full 30 days, the last day of Ramadan can be added to the Eid holiday in the UAE. This means Eid Al Fitr could bring a four-day break from Thursday, March 19, until Sunday, March 22. Work would then start again on Monday.

Eid Al Fitr is the festival that marks the end of Ramadan. People begin the day with Eid prayers, then spend time with family, give charity, and enjoy celebrations across the country.

Eid Al Adha 2026 in UAE: Up to six days off

Eid Al Adha is expected to give UAE residents one of the longest breaks in 2026. The holiday starts with Arafat Day, followed by Eid Al Adha celebrations over several days. Based on the official 2026 holiday calendar, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26.

Eid Al Adha is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, and continue until Friday, May 29. When these dates are combined with the weekend on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, residents could enjoy a total of six days off.

Eid Al Adha is an important Islamic festival that remembers the values of faith, sharing, and sacrifice. Families gather, special prayers are held, and meat is shared with relatives and those in need.

Final reminder for UAE residents

All Eid dates in the UAE depend on official moon sightings. The government will announce the confirmed public holiday dates closer to each Eid.

Even so, these early predictions help residents plan their annual leave, book travel, and organize family time. Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha remain the best times of the year to enjoy long public holidays in the UAE.