With Eid Al Adha 2026 just around the corner, millions of people of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are preparing for the festivities, activities, and travel during the holy holiday season. The holiday season isn’t always a hiatus from work for many who are employed in the healthcare, hospitality, retail, transportation, security services and during critical business operations.
Knowing your rights as a worker during Eid Al Adha day is important when you are working that day. In the GCC nations, employment legislation offers unequivocally safeguards for employees who are required to work on official holidays. The worker may be entitled to extra pay or compensation or both, depending on the country’s laws and employment status.
In the region of the GCC, here are the facts about the rules of Eid Al Adha 2026 holiday pay.
Why do GCC Countries Provide Holiday Compensation?
All GCC countries have legislated rest periods for holidays. If staff must work during these hours, their labour laws stipulate that they will be entitled to extra benefits as a reason for their work.
Such safeguards are in place to maintain the balance between operation of the business and employee rights. Typical businesses that remain open during Eid include hospitals, hotels, airports, retail stores, restaurants, emergency services, logistics companies and critical early functioning businesses.
The concept of holiday compensation varies slightly from one country of the GCC region to another; however, it is also similar in a sense that those that choose to compromise official holiday time are also entitled to being fairly compensated for their choice.
UAE Eid Al Adha Holiday Rules of Compensation
In line with the UAE labour law, every employee from the private sector can receive compensation in two ways during public holidays.
The employer can give away an alternate day off and 50% of basic daily wages.
Or if a replacement holiday is not feasible for operational requirements, employers could choose to pay the employee’s normal daily rate and then an extra 150% on top of that.
The compensation model will be based on employer arrangements and their operational needs.
Saudi Arabia Holiday Overtime Rules
Saudi labor laws define work carried out during the public holidays as overtime work.
Staff who have to work shifts on Eid can be paid for their ordinary working day as well as an overtime premium equal to 50% of the employee’s hourly basic wage.
Employers may also offer a paid compensatory rest day, instead, in some cases.
Saudi labor laws have also provided some suggestions for situations where the holidays overlap. If the Eid falls on an employee’s regular weekly rest day, the employer should be mindful of the overlap of the two and either provide compensation or arrange for an alternative day.
Kuwait Offers Strong Public Holiday Protections
Kuwait has a robust holiday compensation system. Staff members who need to come to work on state holidays (Eid) may be entitled to double their regular daily wages!
Employers are additionally required to offer an alternative day off with work, in addition to good pay.
This joint protection system guarantees workers financial reward and replacement personal time.
Qatar Public Holiday Compensation Framework
In addition, the Qatar laws for labour regulations contain detailed provisions for payment of employees on public holidays.
Any worker who has been allocated Eid holiday shift can receive regular wages plus a compensation of 150% of the base rate.
Another leave compensation option is a paid leave day in exchange for 50% of the basic salary.
The chosen strategy might differ depending on employer policy & business requirements.
Oman Holiday Work Rules and Employee Consent
Unlike some other neighboring countries in the GCC, Oman takes a different stance. Labor Laws are clear that the consent of the laborers must be sought prior to assignments for holidays.
Employers should not ordinarily expect to make any one work during public holidays unless to them the employee has given prior notice and agreed to do so.
Staff members working during the Eid holiday period will be paid their usual salary plus an extra 100% of each staff member’s daily basic wage.
Employers can also substitute a “leave the day” for the wages instead of paying.
Important Details Employees Should Understand
Checking pay calculations is one of the most critical places that employees need to cross double check.
In most GCC jurisdictions, overtime premium is based on basic salary, and not on gross salary which contains allowances such as transportation or housing.
It should also be known that overtime practices may differ for senior executives, managers and supervisors, depending on employment contracts and – more importantly – the nature of their job and employment classification.
Where practicable, staff should make an enquiry about the arrangements for any compensation for public holidays in writing.
Communicating clearly ensures less confusion and safeguards workplace rights.
FAQs
Do employers have to provide leave instead of extra pay?
Several GCC labour laws provide employers an option of giving compensatory leave instead or in addition to premium pay.
Is overtime automatically paid on Eids?
Not always. Senior staff and managers may also find that overtime can be dependent on labour laws and employment contracts.
Should employees be issued with a written payment breakdown?
Yes. Having a paper record of the conditions of holiday work compensation will help ensure that no misunderstandings arise and will safeguard employee rights.
Discover more Insights
Explore UAE driving license rule changes?
Check the latest fines, updates, and digital shifts in UAE driving laws.
Discover best Makkah airport car rentals?
Explore top car rental services available at Makkah airport for travelers.
Explore Abu Dhabi to Qatar road trip?
Discover route details, tips, and travel essentials for this Gulf journey.
Check Manama airport car rental options?
Explore convenient car hire services at Manama International Airport.
Discover Kuwait traffic fines and rules?
Check updated penalties and new driving regulations in Kuwait.
News1 week ago
News7 days ago
News1 week ago
News1 week ago
