The Blue Mosque in Dubai. ARCHIVE

The UAE has announced official holiday dates for Eid Al Fitr 2026 for both public and private sector employees. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed that federal ministries and public sector entities will observe the holiday from March 19 to March 22, with work resuming on March 23. For private sector employees, the holiday will run from March 19 to March 21. Authorities added that if Ramadan lasts 30 days, the private sector holiday will extend to March 22. The announcement on Monday (February 23) follows the moon sighting and marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide. During Ramadan, working hours have been reduced nationwide. Private sector employees work two hours less per day, while federal government staff work from 9am to 2:30pm from Monday to Thursday and from 9am to 12pm on Fridays. Schools across the country have also adjusted schedules to support fasting students. According to the National Centre of Meteorology, fasting hours in the UAE began at approximately 12 hours and 46 minutes at the start of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi and are expected to extend to around 13 hours and 25 minutes by the end of the month. ICA/Expat Media
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