As summer temperatures slowly begin settling over the UAE and malls start preparing their Eid displays, residents finally have clarity on one of the most anticipated breaks of the year. Authorities have officially confirmed the Eid Al Adha 2026 holidays for government employees, giving thousands of residents across Dubai and Ajman a full nine-day break when weekends are included.
For many families, the timing could not be better. The holiday lands just before school exams and at a time when residents usually start planning quick escapes, beach staycations, or visits home before the peak summer travel rush begins.
Dubai government employees to enjoy an extended Eid break
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department confirmed that government employees in the emirate will be off from Monday, May 25, until Friday, May 29, 2026.
Because the break falls alongside the weekend, many employees will end up with nine consecutive days away from work before offices reopen on Monday, June 1.
Across Dubai, the announcement has already started shaping holiday plans. Airlines are expected to see a jump in bookings over the coming days, while hotels in popular staycation spots like Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Hatta are likely to experience another busy Eid season.
Residents who remain in the city can also expect packed malls, late-night dining spots, and family events across major attractions during the holiday period.
Still, not everyone will be stepping away from work entirely. Employees working in shifts or handling essential public services will continue operations based on work requirements to ensure services remain uninterrupted throughout the holiday.
Ajman announces the same holiday dates
Ajman Government’s Human Resources Department has also confirmed identical Eid Al Adha holiday dates for public sector employees.
Government workers in the emirate will be off from May 25 to May 29, with official duties resuming on June 1.
The announcement has been welcomed by many residents who regularly use long weekends to travel within the UAE. Destinations like Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Abu Dhabi usually see a rise in visitors during Eid breaks, especially from families looking for shorter road trips.
Road traffic between emirates is also expected to increase significantly closer to the holiday period, particularly on routes leading towards mountain resorts, beaches, and entertainment hubs.
Federal employees across the UAE have already confirmed a five-day break
Earlier, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced that federal government employees across the country would receive holidays from Monday, May 25, until Friday, May 29.
That means employees working under federal entities across all seven emirates will receive a five-day official break before weekends are added.
Private sector holiday dates are still expected to be confirmed separately, although they traditionally align closely with public sector announcements in the UAE.
As always, residents are now waiting for official moon-sighting confirmations that will determine the exact beginning of Dhul Hijjah and Eid Al Adha according to the Islamic calendar.
UAE schools to close for Eid and mid-term holidays
Students across the UAE are also preparing for a much-needed break before final assessments begin later in the academic term.
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the third-semester mid-term holiday will run from May 25 until May 29, aligning directly with the Eid Al Adha break.
With weekends included, most students will receive nine days off before returning to classrooms on June 1.
In Sharjah, students may enjoy an even longer holiday due to the emirate’s four-day school week system. For many families, the break could stretch to 10 days.
The timing offers students a brief pause before the final examination period begins in June. According to the academic calendar, mock exams are scheduled for June 15 and 16, while final end-of-term exams will continue from June 24 until July 3.
The Ministry has confirmed July 3 as the final day of the academic year for students across the UAE.
Also read: Dubai Private Schools to Get Week-Long Eid Al Adha Break – Social Kandura
Long weekends continue to boost UAE tourism and retail
Every long holiday in the UAE tends to transform the atmosphere across the country, and Eid Al Adha is usually one of the busiest periods of the year.
Hotels often launch special Eid packages weeks in advance, while restaurants introduce festive menus and shopping centres prepare entertainment programmes for families.
In areas like City Walk, Bluewaters, JBR, and Dubai Mall, evenings during Eid holidays often stay lively well past midnight. Cafés remain packed, valet queues grow longer, and waterfront destinations become major gathering spots for residents and tourists alike.
Travel agencies are also expecting a rise in international bookings this year, especially for visa-friendly destinations popular among UAE residents.
With schools and government offices closing at the same time, tourism operators believe this year’s Eid holiday could bring one of the busiest travel windows before the summer season fully begins.
The UAE’s Eid Al Adha 2026 holiday announcements have officially set the stage for one of the longest public breaks of the year. Government employees in Dubai and Ajman will enjoy nine days off when weekends are included, while students across the country will also benefit from an extended school break.
For many residents, it is the perfect opportunity to travel, spend time with family, or simply enjoy a slower week before the busy summer period arrives.
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