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The United Arab Emirates has announced the Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday dates for public and private sector employees, outlining schedules that could extend depending on the length of Ramadan.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed the dates on Monday.
For federal government employees, the holiday will begin Thursday, March 19, 2026, and continue through Sunday, March 22. Work will resume Monday, March 23.
Private sector employees will observe the holiday from Thursday, March 19, through Saturday, March 21.
Authorities said that if Ramadan lasts 30 days, the private sector break will be extended through Sunday, March 22. The decision applies nationwide and follows established public holiday regulations.
Employees may be able to lengthen the time off with careful planning. By taking annual leave from Monday, March 16, through Thursday, March 19, workers could secure nine consecutive days off, from Saturday, March 14, through Sunday, March 22, including weekends and the Eid holiday.
Ramadan preparations are already underway across the country, with retailers stocking seasonal goods and tailors reporting increased demand for traditional Eid attire.
Moon sighting to determine start
The exact start of Eid Al Fitr depends on the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Shawwal.
In the UAE, the moon-sighting committee will meet on March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan, to observe the new crescent.
If the moon is sighted that evening, Ramadan will end that day. If not, the month will complete 30 days, and fasting will continue on March 19, with Eid beginning on March 20.
The process follows the Islamic lunar calendar, in which each month begins with the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon.
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