Public, private sector and schools: Who gets the longest Eid holiday?Last updated: May 21, 2026 | 14:483 MIN READFamilies celebrating Eid in UAE. Picture used for illustrative purposes. Virendra Saklani/Gulf NewsDubai: Millions of UAE residents are preparing to welcome Eid Al Adha 2026, which is set to bring the longest public holiday of the year.While the official paid break spans four to five days, a clever use of annual leave could land some residents up to nine consecutive days off. Here is the complete breakdown of the Eid Al Adha holidays in the UAE for schools, public, and private sectors.Private sector Eid Al Adha holiday in UAEHoliday start date: Tuesday, May 26 (Arafat Day)Holiday end date: Friday, May 29Return to work: Monday, June 1Total days fff: For private sector workers who already have a standard Saturday and Sunday weekend, this official announcement automatically creates a six-day consecutive break (Tuesday through Sunday).Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.
Public sector Eid Al Adha holiday in UAEHoliday start date: Monday, May 25Holiday end date: Friday, May 29Return to work: Monday, June 1Total days off: When combined with the weekends before and after the official break, May 23–24 and May 30–31, government employees will enjoy a nine-day holiday.Eid Al Adha school holiday in UAEThe Ministry of Education (MOE) has confirmed that the third academic term's midterm break will coincide with the Eid Al Adha holidays.For students, teachers, and administrative staff at public schools, the break will run from Monday, May 25 to Friday, May 29. Combined with the surrounding weekends, schools will enjoy a nine-day break resuming on Monday, June 1.According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) unified academic calendar, private educational institutions in Dubai will also observe the Eid Al Adha holiday from Monday, May 25, to Friday, May 29. Classes will officially resume on Monday, June 1.Eid holiday hack: How private sector workers can get nine days offHere is how to maximize your Eid Al Adha holiday leave day-by-day:Saturday, May 23 – WeekendSunday, May 24 – WeekendMonday, May 25 – Take 1 Day of Annual LeaveTuesday, May 26 – Arafah Day (Official Public Holiday)Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29 – Eid Al Adha (Official Public Holidays)Saturday, May 30 to Sunday, May 31 – WeekendBy utilizing this strategy, you get nine consecutive days off while only using a single day of your annual leave balance.Note: Maximising annual leave can be effective, but it depends on your employment terms. The key factor is how your leave is calculated and your company’s approval process.Also In This PackageRelated Topics:Get Updates on Topics You ChooseUp Next
