Public holiday calculations could work in your favour this year
The countdown to the next UAE public holiday is officially on.
With Ramadan expected to begin in February, residents across Dubai and the UAE are already looking ahead to Eid Al Fitr and the possibility of a much-needed long weekend.
While the exact dates will only be confirmed closer to the time through official moon-sighting announcements, current astronomical forecasts suggest there is a strong chance of a four-day break for many workers.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When Is Eid Al Fitr 2026 Expected?
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. The celebration is one of the most important occasions of the year for Muslims and is observed with prayers, family gatherings and festive meals.
Current predictions indicate that Ramadan is likely to begin around Thursday February 19, 2026, although this will ultimately depend on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Because the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, Ramadan can last either 29 or 30 days. That uncertainty also affects the final dates of Eid Al Fitr and the length of the public holiday.
What Does UAE Public Holiday Law Say?
Under UAE public holiday regulations, residents receive official leave for the first three days of Shawwal.
In addition, if Ramadan lasts for 30 days, an extra public holiday is granted on the final day of Ramadan, effectively extending the break.
This means the total holiday can be either three or four days, depending on how the lunar calendar unfolds.
How Could a Four-Day Weekend Happen?
Several calendar scenarios are currently possible, and most of them would result in a four-day break.
If the month of Shaban lasts 29 days, Ramadan would begin on Wednesday February 18. In this case, Eid Al Fitr could start on either Thursday March 19 or Friday March 20, depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
Should Ramadan run for 29 days, the Eid holiday would begin on Thursday March 19. Official leave would continue through Saturday March 21, and when combined with Sunday March 22, residents would effectively enjoy a four-day weekend.
Another possibility is that Ramadan lasts for 30 days. In that scenario, the additional public holiday on the final day of Ramadan would fall on Friday March 20, followed by the first three days of Shawwal through Monday March 23. This would also create a four-day break.
A third scenario occurs if both Shaban and Ramadan last 30 days. Under this outcome, the Eid holiday would again begin on Friday March 20 and continue through Monday March 23, delivering four consecutive days off.
The One Scenario That Creates a Three-Day Break
There is one possibility that would result in a shorter holiday.
If Ramadan begins on Thursday February 19 and lasts for 29 days, Eid Al Fitr would likely start on Friday March 20. In this case, residents would receive leave for Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, creating a three-day weekend.
While this outcome remains possible, current projections suggest there are multiple routes to a longer break.
Why The Dates Are Still Not Confirmed
Although astronomical calculations provide a useful guide, official Islamic months begin only after the UAE’s moon-sighting committee confirms the visibility of the crescent moon.
As a result, the exact dates of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr can shift by a day depending on weather conditions and moon visibility.
This process ensures that religious observances follow the traditional lunar calendar while also allowing authorities to announce public holiday dates closer to the event.
Start Planning Your Long Weekend
While residents will need to wait for official confirmation, the early forecasts are encouraging for anyone hoping for extra time off in March.
Whether you’re planning a staycation, an overseas getaway or simply looking forward to spending time with family and friends, Eid Al Fitr 2026 could deliver a welcome four-day weekend.
For now, it’s a case of watching the moon—and keeping your calendar flexible.
FAQs
Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall around March 19 to March 21, 2026, depending on the official moon sighting and the length of Ramadan.
UAE residents are guaranteed three public holiday days for Eid Al Fitr, with the possibility of a fourth day if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
The exact dates depend on the sighting of the crescent moon, which is officially confirmed by the UAE moon-sighting committee.
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar and begins immediately after Ramadan ends. Eid Al Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal.
Ramadan is currently forecast to begin around February 18 or February 19, 2026, subject to moon sighting confirmation.
