Quick Read
- UAE announced Eid Al Fitr 2026 holidays for public and private sectors.
- Public sector holiday: March 19-22, 2026; work resumes March 23.
- Private sector holiday: March 19-21, 2026, extending to March 22 if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
- The official dates depend on the Shawwal crescent moon sighting, but a long weekend is guaranteed.
- Travel demand is high, with increased airfares for popular destinations like Japan, Europe, and CIS countries.
DUBAI (Azat TV) – The United Arab Emirates government has officially announced the Eid Al Fitr 2026 holidays for both public and private sector employees, with celebrations expected to commence on March 19. This declaration comes as residents across the UAE begin planning for community gatherings, travel, and festive activities to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, alongside the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, confirmed the holiday schedule, prompting a surge in early travel bookings and preparations for the significant Islamic observance.
UAE Government Confirms Eid Al Fitr 2026 Holiday Dates
According to the official announcement, federal government entities will observe a four-day holiday from Thursday, March 19, 2026, until Sunday, March 22, 2026. Official working hours for the public sector will resume on Monday, March 23. For private sector employees, the initial holiday period is set from Thursday, March 19, until Saturday, March 21.
Crucially, authorities also clarified that if Ramadan extends to 30 days, the private sector holiday will be prolonged to include Sunday, March 22, ensuring a consistent long weekend for most residents. This decision follows a UAE Cabinet resolution that automatically designates the 30th day of Ramadan as a public holiday if the holy month lasts its full duration, guaranteeing an extended break regardless of the moon-sighting outcome.
Anticipating the Shawwal Crescent and Extended Breaks
The final dates for Eid Al Fitr traditionally depend on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, which is assessed by official moon-sighting committees on the 29th day of Ramadan. If the crescent is sighted on March 18, Eid Al Fitr will be declared for the following day, March 19. Should the moon not be sighted on March 18, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will commence on Friday, March 20. In either scenario, UAE residents are set to enjoy an extended break.
This early announcement provides ample time for citizens and residents to finalize their travel plans and festive arrangements, with many already exploring options to maximize their time off. The timing also aligns with the typical adjustments to work schedules that occur during Ramadan, leading into the anticipated first extended weekend of the year.
Travel Boom Expected for Eid Celebrations
The upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday is fueling a significant travel boom, with airfares nearly doubling from February levels and showing a 15-20 percent increase compared to last year’s Eid period, according to travel agents. Demand has been robust since early January, as many residents lock in tentative travel dates between March 19 and March 28 to fully utilize the break.
Popular international destinations include Japan, particularly for its cherry blossom season, and various European cities such as Switzerland, Paris, and the Netherlands. However, travelers to these regions are advised to plan well in advance due to potential visa appointment delays. Closer to home, hassle-free destinations in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are seeing strong interest, including Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Almaty. Armenia, in particular, is noted as a high-demand destination, offering visa-free travel for GCC country citizens and residents, including those from the UAE, as of July 2025.
Many UAE residents are also opting for visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, Uzbekistan, Thailand, and Oman for shorter escapes. For those seeking unique experiences, new trends such as halal cruise holidays are gaining popularity. Despite the higher costs, the desire for a refreshing getaway during the Eid period remains strong, with travel agents urging residents to book early to avoid last-minute price shocks.
Cultural Significance and Festive Preparations for Eid
Eid Al Fitr marks the culmination of Ramadan, a holy month dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The holiday itself is a time of joyous celebration, marked by family gatherings, special prayers, feasts, and the exchange of gifts. Preparations for Eid extend beyond travel, encompassing cultural traditions such as new attire and home decorations.
Local designers in the UAE are also contributing to the festive atmosphere, with Ramadan and Eid collections for abayas standing out. Brands like Saintly, Boujee Line, and Arod are offering bold, elegant, and versatile designs that blend traditional aesthetics with modern fashion, suitable for iftar gatherings and Eid celebrations. These made-to-order pieces reflect a dedication to craftsmanship and individual style, ensuring women have distinctive outfits for the season’s social events.
The UAE’s proactive announcement of Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday dates underscores a commitment to facilitating community well-being and economic activity, allowing for structured planning that benefits both individuals and the nation’s service sectors.