Eid Al Fitr is just around the corner, and Dubai residents are preparing to celebrate the end of Ramadan with a three-day public holiday. In 2026, the festivities are expected to fall on Friday, March 20, continuing through Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, giving the city a long weekend to mark this special occasion.
When Will Eid Al Fitr 2026 Begin?
According to current astronomical predictions, Eid Al Fitr 2026 is likely to start on Friday, March 20, following the conclusion of Ramadan. If Ramadan lasts the full 30 days, the holiday could begin on the final day of Ramadan, ensuring that celebrations officially kick off on Shawwal 1 and continue into Shawwal 2 and 3.
This timing gives residents and visitors a chance to enjoy a three-day weekend packed with family gatherings, festive meals, and cultural celebrations.
Why the Eid Holiday Won’t Move
While Dubai recently updated its weekend rules to allow some public holidays to shift if they coincide with weekends, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are exempt.
The UAE public holiday law, introduced in 2025, allows most holidays to move to the beginning or end of the week if they fall on a weekend. However, the law explicitly states that holidays tied to Eid cannot be adjusted, ensuring that celebrations stay in line with the Islamic Hijri calendar.
The official legal wording clarifies:
“With the exception of Eid holidays, the Cabinet may – pursuant to a resolution it issues – transfer any of the public holidays referred to in Article (1) of this Resolution to the beginning or end of the week.”
This means that even though Eid Al Fitr 2026 falls over the weekend, residents won’t get extra weekdays off.
How the Three-Day Eid Break Works
The Eid Al Fitr break typically spans Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3:
- Shawwal 1: First day of Eid – main celebrations and prayers
- Shawwal 2 & 3: Extended holidays for family visits, social gatherings, and festive meals
In the rare case that Ramadan ends on the 30th day, the holiday may begin on the last day of Ramadan, giving everyone a smooth transition into Eid celebrations.
While residents won’t get extra days off for Eid if it coincides with a weekend, other holidays such as Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH), or National Day may be adjusted in future years to maximize weekday time off.
Flexibility Across Emirates
Although the federal holiday law sets Eid dates and rules, each emirate has the authority to add extra public holidays for local celebrations if needed. This means Dubai could occasionally declare additional days off to coincide with special occasions, but the core Eid dates remain fixed.
What This Means for Dubai Residents
For residents, the 2026 Eid weekend is a chance to:
- Celebrate with family and friends during the three-day holiday
- Take part in cultural activities, including festive meals, prayers, and charity events
- Enjoy a long weekend for travel, leisure, and community events
Despite falling over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Eid Al Fitr holiday schedule will remain unchanged, giving everyone clarity on planning time off work or school.
Key Takeaways
- Eid Al Fitr 2026 is predicted to start Friday, March 20, and continue until Sunday, March 22.
- The holiday spans three days, starting on Shawwal 1, with the possibility of adjusting if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
- UAE law prohibits shifting Eid holidays, even if they overlap with weekends.
- Other public holidays may move to maximize weekday time off, but Eid remains fixed.
- Each emirate can declare additional local holidays, but the main Eid celebration stays consistent.
Related Dubai News
- Eid Al Adha 2026 Holiday Dates: Predicted days off for the second major Islamic festival.
- UAE Public Holidays 2026: All upcoming national holidays and long weekends.
- Dubai Ramadan 2026: Likely start dates and festive events across the city.
- Annual Leave in Dubai: What UAE laws say about employee rights and holiday entitlements.
About the Author
Aimee Jakes swapped the grey skies of London for Dubai’s sunshine and now covers all things lifestyle in the city. From brunch reviews to fitness trends, Aimee helps residents stay updated on Dubai events, holidays, and cultural happenings.
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FAQs for Eid Al Fitr 2026 in Dubai:
Eid Al Fitr 2026 is predicted to begin on Friday, March 20, and will continue through Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, giving residents a three-day long weekend.
Eid Al Fitr 2026 coincides with Friday to Sunday due to the Islamic Hijri calendar. UAE law ensures Eid holidays cannot be shifted, even if they overlap with weekends.
Dubai residents will have three official public holidays for Eid Al Fitr 2026, covering Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3, to celebrate with family and friends.
No. UAE public holiday regulations specifically state that Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha holidays cannot be adjusted, so the dates remain fixed even if they overlap with a weekend.
While the Eid break itself won’t move, Dubai may occasionally declare additional local holidays for other occasions. However, the main Eid Al Fitr dates remain unchanged.
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