Representative image of a butcher carrying a sheep ahead of Eid al-Adha sacrifice. Photo: Reuters
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially announced a four-day Eid al-Adha 2026 holiday for private sector employees.
This was announced in a circular issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on Monday, May 18.
Employees will be granted holidays from 9 to 12 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH, which corresponds to Tuesday, May 26, to Friday, May 29.
Official work will resume on Saturday, May 30.
A similar holiday schedule will apply to public sector employees.
The announcement follows the sighting of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent on Sunday evening, May 17, indicating that the final month of the Islamic calendar would begin on May 18.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic festivals. It marks the end of the Haj pilgrimage and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) devotion to God, symbolised by his willingness to sacrifice his son.
The festival is observed on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and is celebrated with prayers, charity, and the sacrifice of livestock.
This post was last modified on May 18, 2026 3:34 pm