UAE Announces Eid Al Adha 2026 Holiday For Public Sector Employees

2026-05-12 07:38:41

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Eid Al Adha coincides with with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of Muslims travel to Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform the fifth pillar of Islam

By: Elizabeth Gonzales

Eid Al Adha holiday dates have been announced for government employees in the UAE, with public sector workers set to enjoy a 5-day break this year.

The UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said in a statement that the holiday will be observed from Monday, May 25 until Friday, May 29, 2026.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

When is Arafah Day?

This would place Arafah Day, the most important part of the Hajj journey and a day with major spirital significance for Muslims worldwide, on Tuesday, May 26.

Arafah Day, which falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, is one of the holiest days in Islam and is marked as a public holiday in the UAE. It is usually followed by the three-day Eid Al Adha celebrations. As with all Islamic holidays, the exact dates are subject to the moon sighting.

Eid Al Adha coincides with with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of Muslims travel to Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.

How the calculation works

Khaleej Times earlier reported that the 29th day of Dhul Qadah will fall on Sunday (May 1), according to astronomical calculations. On this day, the crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah will be observed.

The calculation works as follows: if the moon is sighted on Sunday (May 17), Dhul Hijjah will begin on Monday (May 18). However, if the moon is not sighted, Dhul Qadah will complete 30 days, and Dhul Hijjah will begin on Tuesday (May 19).

This will shift all key Islamic dates that follow, including Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha.

Earlier, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, affiliated with the University of Sharjah, predicted that Wednesday (May 27) is likely to be the first day of Eid Al Adha in the UAE, based on astronomical calculations.

They earlier predicted that the first day of the month of Dhul Hijjah is expected to fall on Monday (May 18).

9-day break? Eid Al Adha to give UAE residents longest public holiday in 2026 Crescent moon to be observed on May 17 for Dhul Hijjah month ahead of Eid Al Adha

MENAFN12052026000049011007ID1111102264

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.