Eid Al Adha 2026 is one of the biggest festivals in UAE and Saudi Arabia. The festival is going to be celebrated on 27th May, 2026. Both UAE and Saudi Arabia are in festive mode with business activities on pause, family get-togethers, people doing shopping and planning travel itineraries to celebrate Eid.
Essential services, shopping destinations and transportation systems get ready for hectic holiday times, while government offices and corporate workplaces shut down.
Read on to know what is open and what is closed in UAE & Saudi Arabia during Eid Al Adha 2026.
Government Offices Enter Holiday Closure
During Eid, activities will be suspended in a significant manner in the government’s operations in both countries.
Federal and local government departments are closed for a long vacation in UAE from May 25 till May 29. Government services should resume as normal on Monday, June 1.
Saudi Arabia is also observing holidays at public sector institutions, while the government workers are getting a week-long break for the Eid holiday.
Residents who require to make appointments for document processing, approvals or face-to-face services with the government should reschedule appointments until regular government services are resumed.
Corporate Offices and Private Companies Stop Operations
The Eid holiday period will also see a considerable reduction in corporate activity.
In the UAE, Organised Paid Holidays are given to Private Sector employees from Tuesday, 26 May to Friday, 29 May. Many office workers will be coming back Monday in conjunction with the weekend.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia has the same rule, that is, the private sector worker is entitled to a paid holiday period that starts from the Day of Arafat leading up to Eid.
This can leave many business offices and administrative departments, as well as corporate facilities, closed or partially staffed.
Healthcare Services shifts to Holiday Operations
Medical services are available during Eid, but there may be intermittent disruptions to routine health care services.
All routine outpatient visits and non-urgent hospital visits are likely to be delayed until the end of the holidays.
But the services of emergency medicine are still in place in both countries. Healthcare facilities, such as ERs, urgent care centers, and essential services, will still be open during the Eid holidays.
For residents needing regular medical check-ups, there may be delays and appointments should be scheduled post-holiday.
Visa and Administrative Service Centers Reduce Activity
Limited working hours may be provided in Visa Processing Centers and Administration Support Facilities during Eid Al Adha.
Government service counters and administrative offices might continue to be closed or operate on a limited schedule.
People who need document processing, ID-related services or administrative support can consider delaying any unnecessary visits until normal operations resume.
Digital government platforms, however, are still in operation.
Shopping Malls and Retail Centers Extend Operating Hours
The UAE and Saudi retail market is undoubtedly one of the busiest in the country for offices, as the retail activity kicks into gear despite the closure of offices. Big shops will continue to be open and, in many instances, will be open longer than normal.
During Eid, there is a rise in foot traffic at shopping malls, entertainment centers, cinemas, restaurants, and family attractions.
Stores set up for the festive season by adding extra hours, offering Eid promotions and opening up to serve the crowds.
Neighborhood grocery stores and supermarkets will also be open during the holidays.
The public transport system is continuing to support Eid travel.The public transportation system is still helping out with Eid travel.
Public Transportation Continues Supporting Eid Travel
More passengers on public transport as people go out for celebrations, shopping and tourism.
The UAE’s transport authorities should increase the hours of their selected transport services during Eid.
These changes will ease access by residents and visitors during the holiday season.
Digital Services Remain Available 24 Hours
Digital government services are not affected while physical offices are closed.
Online systems for tracking visas, payment of fines, managing visa applications and administrative requests continue to be operational 24/7.
The essential services residents have access to with the government, such as for example services connected with their welfare and financial stability, may proceed without a physical office visit.
Employee Rights During Eid Holiday Work Requirements
Any employee who is compelled to work on Eid private sector holidays may be eligible for extra benefits in the workplace as per the labour regulations.
If a person works on the official holiday he might be entitled to compensatory leave or overtime pay depending on the employment rules and the employer’s arrangements.
Staff are encouraged to check employer policies and entitlement to work in the workplace directly.
FAQs
What will be the status of government offices during Eid Al Adha 2026?
No. Government offices, both in UAE and Saudi Arabia, will be closed for official Eid holidays and reopened after the end of the holidays.
Are shopping malls during Eid holidays in UAE and Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Shopping malls, retail outlets, cinemas and entertainment centres are usually open and may even open later for Eid festivities.
Will hospitals remain open during Eid Al Adha?
Emergency medical services remain functioning during Eid. Routine outpatient services and non-urgent health care may have short interruptions, however.
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