Abudhabi,TNM:The UAE has officially announced a five-day paid holiday for public sector employees in observance of Eid al-Adha and Arafat Day, according to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.
The holiday period will begin on Monday, May 25, 2026, and continue through Friday, May 29, with normal working hours set to resume on Monday, June 1.
Dhu Al Hijjah Moon Sighting Scheduled for May 17
Authorities in Dubai will host a public moon-sighting event on May 17, 2026, to observe the crescent marking the beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Organised by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, the event will take place at Jebel Nazwa Trail starting at 5pm and continuing until after sunset.
Astronomical calculations suggest the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah is likely to fall on Monday, May 18.
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, the new moon is expected to be born on Sunday, May 17, at 12:01am UAE time.
Expected Dates for Eid Al Adha
Based on astronomical projections:
- Day of Arafah is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26
- Eid Al Adha is likely to begin on Wednesday, May 27
The Day of Arafah, observed one day before Eid Al Adha, is regarded as the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage.
However, officials emphasised that the final holiday dates remain subject to the official moon-sighting confirmation.
Schools Across UAE to Receive Extended Eid Break
The Ministry of Education announced that the third-term midterm break, which coincides with Eid Al Adha, will run from May 25 to May 29 for students, teachers and administrative staff in public schools.
Combined with weekends before and after the break, many students and school employees are expected to enjoy a nine-day holiday.
The ministry stated that the schedule aligns with the approved academic calendar for the current school year, including examination schedules and result announcements.
Dubai and Sharjah Private Schools Confirm Holiday Dates
Private schools in Dubai will also observe the Eid Al Adha holiday from Monday, May 25, to Friday, May 29, under the emirate’s unified academic calendar. Classes will resume on Monday, June 1.
Meanwhile, the Sharjah Private Education Authority confirmed that private schools across Sharjah will close from Monday, May 25, to Thursday, May 28, with classes and administrative operations resuming on Monday, June 1.
Including weekends, students in Sharjah are expected to receive a 10-day holiday break as the UAE prepares for one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
