UAE prepares for 9-day Eid Al Adha weekend with holidays, events and travel offers
Residents across the United Arab Emirates are preparing for one of the longest public holidays of the year as Eid Al Adha 2026 is expected to deliver a 9-day weekend for many employees and students.
The holiday is likely to fall on either May 27 or May 28, depending on the moon sighting for Dhul Hijjah. Authorities and businesses across the UAE are already announcing holiday schedules, staycation offers, shopping promotions and entertainment activities ahead of the festive break.
Public sector employees to enjoy extended break
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has confirmed that public sector employees will receive a five-day holiday from Monday, May 25, to Friday, May 29. Combined with regular weekends, many residents will benefit from a continuous nine-day break.
Government employees and students in Sharjah are expected to receive an even longer 10-day holiday because of the emirate’s four-day workweek and three-day weekend structure.
School holidays coincide with Eid break
The UAE Ministry of Education announced that the third semester mid-term break will run from May 25 to 29, aligning with Eid Al Adha celebrations. Students will return to classes on June 1 before mock exams scheduled for June 15 and 16.
Final examinations are expected to begin later in June, with July 3 marked as the final day of the academic year.
Employees working during Eid entitled to compensation
Under UAE labour regulations, employees required to work during official public holidays are entitled to either:
- A compensatory rest day, or
- Their normal daily wage plus an additional 50 per cent of their basic salary for the day worked.
Employees can raise complaints through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation if employers fail to comply with holiday compensation rules.
Retail promotions and Eid shopping expected to surge
Retailers across the UAE are preparing for increased consumer activity with discounts on fashion, electronics, jewellery, groceries and gifts ahead of Eid.
Shopping malls, supermarkets and restaurants are also expected to extend operating hours to accommodate festive demand. Authorities have meanwhile advised residents to remain cautious of online scams and counterfeit products during the shopping season.
Consumers can report violations through official UAE consumer protection platforms, with penalties for offenders reaching up to Dh2 million.
Fireworks yet to be confirmed
Although Eid celebrations in the UAE are traditionally marked by large-scale fireworks displays, no official announcements have been made regarding pyrotechnic events this year. Fireworks during Eid Al Fitr were previously cancelled due to regional tensions.
However, several live entertainment events and performances have already been announced across the country, including concerts, theatrical productions and international DJ performances.
Popular outdoor destinations preparing for Eid crowds
Several family attractions and leisure destinations are expected to witness increased footfall during the extended break, including:
- Global Village, which has extended its season until May 31 and introduced special ticket offers.
- Dubai Miracle Garden, set to close for the summer season on May 31.
- Al Mamzar Beach, featuring jogging tracks, floating walkways and night beach facilities.
- Al Qasba, which will host family entertainment programmes and performances during Eid.
Staycation and travel demand rises
Hotels and travel agencies across the UAE have launched Eid holiday packages targeting residents seeking short breaks and regional travel experiences.
Rove Hotels is offering Eid staycation packages starting from Dh199 per night, while travel operators are promoting international holiday deals to destinations such as Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
Travel agencies expect strong demand throughout the Eid period as residents take advantage of one of the year’s longest holiday windows.
