Khaberni - The employees in both the public and private sectors in the UAE are looking forward to next May, where the astronomical calculations and the official holiday calendar suggest that the blessed Eid Al-Adha holiday for the year 2026 is a candidate to be the "major holiday" and the longest in terms of consecutive days during the current year.
Astronomical calculations and expected dates
According to the Emirates Astronomy Association, it is expected that the month of Dhu al-Hijjah for the year 1447 Hijri will fall on Monday, 18 May 2026.
Accordingly, analysts have determined the following dates (subject to the decision of the Moon Sighting Committee):
- Day of Arafah: Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
- First days of Eid Al-Adha: Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
- End of the official holiday: Friday, 29 May 2026.
Why is it considered the longest?
This year's Eid Al-Adha holiday has a special significance due to the "strategic timing" in which it occurs during the week:
- Official holiday (4 days): Begins on Tuesday (Day of Arafah) and continues until the end of Friday (third day of Eid).
- Weekend holiday (two days): Directly follows the official holiday on Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May.
- Total connected: Employees get 6 consecutive days of rest without needing to use their annual leave balance.
Compared to other holidays in 2026
Eid Al-Fitr: Its holiday was in March 2026 and lasted for four days (from Thursday to Sunday) for some sectors.
Hijri New Year: This occasion falls on Wednesday 17 June 2026, and a one-day official holiday is granted.
Mawlid Al-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday): It is expected to fall on Tuesday 25 August 2026, and it is a one-day official holiday.
National Day: Falls on Tuesday 1 December 2026 "Martyr's Day", followed by Wednesday and Thursday (2 and 3 December) National Day holiday, and with the addition of Friday (working day) then Saturday and Sunday, it may reach up to 5 days, but it remains shorter than the 6 consecutive days naturally extended Eid Al-Adha holiday.
