Eid Al Fitr 2026 is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated breaks. Forecasts point to March 20–22, a window that could give many residents a valuable extended weekend. This guide explains the likely dates, how the final decision is made, and practical steps to get the most from the holiday.
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Expected Dates for Eid Al Fitr 2026 in the UAE
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and falls on Shawwal 1 in the Islamic calendar. Current public-holiday forecasts and religious calendars point to Friday, March 20, 2026, with public holidays covering March 20–22 (Fri–Sun) as the baseline.
Moon sighting and the final announcement
The date is confirmed only after the official moon-sighting body assesses the Shawwal crescent on the 29th night of Ramadan. If the crescent is sighted on March 18, Eid will be declared on March 19 (Thursday). If not, Ramadan completes 30 days, and Eid begins on March 20. UAE moon-sighting committee
Public holiday scenarios for residents
There are two likely outcomes: a three-day break (March 20–22) or a four-day break (March 19–22) if the crescent is seen earlier. Because Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, they’re non-transferable. That means the break depends on sighting, not on administrative shifting.
Practical ways to maximise the Eid holiday
You can stretch the break with a few days of annual leave and some foresight. It doesn’t need to be complicated, just timely.
Take short blocks of leave: If Eid falls on March 20, applying for leave from March 16 to 19 could open up a much longer run of days off. When you stack the public holidays with the weekend before and after, the break suddenly feels substantial. Many residents quietly plan these weeks in advance.
Submit leave early: The rush usually begins right after the moon-sighting confirmation. HR inboxes fill up fast. Putting in your request before that window can make all the difference, especially in smaller teams where coverage matters.
Choose refundable travel: Flight prices often jump once Eid is officially declared. Flexible fares or refundable hotel bookings offer peace of mind. Given that the date can shift by a day, that cushion helps.
Combine with weekend swaps: Some workplaces allow shift swaps or minor schedule adjustments. Even one extra day can expand your holiday without cutting into your annual leave. It’s not always advertised, but it’s worth asking.
Important note: The dates for Eid Al Fitr are only predicted. The official dates for the religious occasion will be announced by the official moon sighting committee closer to the end of Ramadan, and the length of the break will be announced by the relevant authorities for the federal and private sector.
