The United Arab Emirates authorities have announced a week-long Eid Al-Adha holiday for public sector workers, scheduled from Monday, May 25, to Friday, May 29, 2026. Official work is expected to resume on Monday, June 1.
Private School Students Also Benefit
In a related development, private school students in Dubai have also been granted a week-long break for the Eid celebrations, starting from May 25.
Expected Boost in Travel and Religious Activities
The holiday period is anticipated to boost travel activities, family gatherings, and religious observances across the country. Muslims in the UAE and around the world prepare for one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
According to an earlier report by Legit.ng, prominent UAE astronomer Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, predicted that the festival is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, pending official moon sighting confirmation. Calculations indicate that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah will likely be born on Sunday, May 17.
Eid Al-Adha: A Festival of Sacrifice
Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim, who was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command before divine intervention replaced the sacrifice with a ram. The celebration represents faith, obedience, sacrifice, and compassion toward others.
Central traditions include special congregational prayers held in mosques and open prayer grounds, as well as the slaughtering of animals such as sheep, goats, or cows. The meat is shared among relatives, neighbors, and the less privileged.
Connection to Hajj Pilgrimage
Eid Al-Adha coincides with the conclusion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and includes a series of spiritual rites performed over several days.
The holiday period is regarded as both a spiritual and social occasion, bringing together worship, charity, and family interactions.
Earlier reports indicated that UAE residents could enjoy a nine-day holiday when combining Eid Al-Adha with Arafah Day and surrounding weekends, making it one of the longest breaks on the 2026 calendar.
