UAE Announces Eid Al Fitr Holidays for Private Sector Workers
After 30 days of fasting, it is almost time to celebrate Eid Al Fitr in the UAE. The UAE government has confirmed a four-day Eid Al Fitr holiday for private sector employees. This happy festival comes at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
People in the UAE started fasting on February 18. The early holiday announcement helps workers and companies plan their time off for travel, family visits, and celebrations.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) said the Eid holiday for private sector workers will begin on Thursday, March 19, and continue until Saturday, March 21. If Ramadan lasts for 30 days, the holiday will be extended to Sunday, March 22, 2026. In the UAE, Sunday is also part of the official weekend, which gives families more time to celebrate together.
This announcement allows businesses and employees to get ready for one of the most important holidays in the country.
Eid Al Fitr is a special Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. When the month ends, families gather to pray, eat together, and share gifts. Children often receive new clothes and special treats.
The exact day of Eid depends on the sighting of the new moon. In the UAE, a special moon-sighting committee will meet on March 18, which is the 29th day of Ramadan. They will look for the Shawwal crescent moon.
If the new moon is seen on the evening of March 18, Eid Al Fitr will begin the next day. If the moon is not seen, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will start a day later. This is because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, and each new month begins when the crescent moon is sighted.
If four days off is not enough, workers can plan smartly. By taking annual leave from Monday to Thursday, March 16 to March 19, employees can enjoy a longer break from Saturday, March 14, to Sunday, March 22. That means nine days off in total, including weekends and Eid holidays.
Many residents are planning short trips during this time. Since the weather is still pleasant, families are choosing nearby travel spots in the GCC. Travel experts say more people are planning road trips to Oman and Musandam. Some are also combining Umrah during the last 10 days of Ramadan with short holiday trips inside Saudi Arabia during Eid.
With clear holiday dates announced, families across the UAE can now prepare for joyful Eid Al Fitr celebrations filled with prayer, food, and time together.
