Employees in the UAE could be in line for a rare 10-day holiday stretch in 2026 – by using just two days of annual leave around the Eid al-Adha break.
According to astronomical calculations, Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, with Arafat Day likely to fall on Tuesday, May 26.
If the projected dates are officially confirmed by UAE moon-sighting authorities, residents in both the public and private sectors would receive a four-day holiday, consisting of one day for Arafat Day and three days for Eid al-Adha.
Because the break is expected to fall midweek, employees could potentially turn the public holiday into a 10-day break by strategically taking two annual leave days.
How the 10-day break works
With Eid al-Adha expected to run from Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29, employees who apply for leave on Friday, May 22 and Monday, May 25, could enjoy the following schedule:
- Monday, May 22 – One annual leave day
- Saturday, May 23 – Weekend
- Sunday, May 24 – Weekend
- Monday, May 25 – One annual leave day
- Tuesday, May 26 – Arafat Day holiday
- Wednesday, May 27 – Eid al-Adha holiday
- Thursday, May 28 – Eid al-Adha holiday
- Friday, May 29 – Eid al-Adha holiday
- Saturday, May 30 – Weekend
- Sunday, May 31 – Weekend
However, the final holiday dates remain subject to official moon-sighting confirmation by UAE authorities.
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before a ram was provided in his place, according to Islamic tradition.
The holiday coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and is observed with prayers, family gatherings, charitable giving and Qurbani – the ritual sacrifice of livestock, with meat distributed among relatives and those in need.
Remaining UAE public holidays in 2026
Other UAE public holidays expected during 2026 include:
- Hijri New Year – 1 day
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – 1 day
- UAE National Day – December 2 and 3
- Gregorian New Year – January 1, 2027
