The official Eid Al Adha 2026 holiday calendar has been finalized based on the confirmed sighting of the Dhu Al-Hijjah Crescent moon over Saudi Arabia and the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
The authorities announced on Tuesday that today is the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah. This would make Arafat Day to fall on Tuesday, 26 May 2026 and the celebration of Eid Al Adha is to start on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 officially.
The UAE is providing one of the most generous Eid holiday periods in the Gulf which includes government workers and students.
The government holiday starts on Monday 25th May 2026 while public schools start it on Tuesday 26th May 2026. There will be a break until Friday the 29th of May.
Many public servants and students will be taking an extended 9-day weekend with that vacation being continuous, if combined with the weekend prior to and subsequent to that one. For Office Staff and school staff (excluding Students), Re-opening Day will be Monday, June 1, 2026.
The leave begins on Tuesday, May 26 (Arafat Day) and continues until Friday, May 29. Most staff would be best served by having a ‘fuzzy 6-day break’ if they are accompanied by the weekend (Saturday–Sunday).
Saudi Arabia Eid Al Adha 2026 Holidays
There are a few differences in the Saudi Arabia holiday structure due to the demands required during the Hajj season. Civil servants and government ministries will usually start their Eid holiday on Monday, May 25 in Saudi Arabia.
With the Kingdom’s structure of Friday/Saturday weekends, the majority of employees will be back to work on Sunday the 31st May, with the exception of the holiday which will continue until Friday, the 29th May.
Some public employees may have anywhere from 7 to 9 back-to-back days off depending on the buffer days available to them through the ministry’s arrangements.
Saudi Private Sector Eid Break
Eid holiday is a legislated event in Saudi Arabia, with private sector and non-profit employees required a fully paid four-day break from work every year.
The official break for the area starts Tuesday, May 26 and continues through Friday, May 29. Many workers will have a 5-day weekend rest period from Saturday until Sunday, May 31, a common practice for workers on a 5-day holiday for the weekend.
Qatar Eid Al Adha 2026 Holiday Calendar
Traditionally, Qatar has a more comprehensive policy on public and private sector holidays which is determined by the Amiri Decree.
Many private companies and government offices are also anticipated to keep extending the leave period in line with the same rules, thus allowing them to get 5-6 days’ worth of uninterrupted vacation by the end of the year.
The table below is a summary of Eid Al Adha 2026 holiday periods.
Country
Public Sector Holidays
Private Sector Holidays
Return to Work
UAE
9 Days (Including Weekends)
6 Days (Including Weekends)
Monday, June 1
Saudi Arabia
7–9 Days
5 Days
Sunday, May 31
Qatar
5–6 Days
5–6 Days
Sunday, May 31
Why the 2026 Eid Calendar Feels Longer?
The timing of this event is also occurring during the middle of a week in 2026, which obviously results in longer holiday sequences with adjacent weekends.
Such arrangement is especially good for UAE public sector employees who can take off from their offices and schools almost a full week and a half without the need to avail annual leave.
Currently, travel agents in the GCC are seeing a rise in demand for family holiday packages, short-haul flights and staycations within the region.
Airports across Dubai, Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi are getting ready for what promises to be one of the biggest travel seasons this year with long holiday blocks.
Families are likely to clog up the main tourist centres, and intra-GCC regional road travel is likely to surge to neighbouring Gulf countries too during the break.
To ensure that they aren’t paying random rates at the last minute, travel experts suggest making appointments with airlines and car rentals as well as reservations for accommodation before the holidays.
FAQs
What is Eid Al Adha 2026 date in UAE, Saudi and Qatar?
Eid Al Adha 2026 will officially commence on Wednesday 27 May 2026.
What is Arafat Day on in 2026?
Arafat Day will be on Tuesday May 26th, 2026.
How many holidays will UAE public sector workers get?
UAE public sector workers and institutions will get up to 9 consecutive days leave including Saturdays.
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