The 2026 Eid Al Adha holiday has created buzz across the UAE as workers look to take advantage of the extended break. Unsurprisingly, many have taken to the corridor, WhatsApp and workplace chats to ask, “Can I take Monday off for a 9-day break?”
The things you should consider are the company you work for and most critically, how lenient your manager is.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed a four-day paid holiday for private sector employees, from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29, 2026. If your normal weekends fall on Saturday and Sunday, you’ll receive a six-day holiday.
In comparison, public sector employees will get a five-day holiday starting Monday, May 25, 2026, through Friday, May 29, resulting in an extended nine-day holiday when you consider the weekends.
The short five-day week preceding the nine-day holidays is the most anticipated and talked about week to work in the UAE.
Why Are Public and Private Sector Holidays Different?
This holiday disparity is not an accident. This difference in holiday policies is the result of a uniquely maintained policy to find the balance between maintaining the productivity of the workforce while accommodating the celebrations of the different holidays.
According to the consolidated holiday policy implemented in the UAE, public and private sector employees receive the same number of holidays during the year. The exclusive Eid holiday for government employees on Monday, May 25 is the reason that private sector employees begin observing the holiday on May 26.
As per UAE public holiday laws, Eid Al Adha is a three-day holiday with a day off to observe Arafat Day on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Private sector employees thus receive a total of four paid holidays (Arafah Day plus the Eid holidays) as opposed to five.
Are You Allowing Employees to Take Monday Off?
Yes, technically, but it is not right.
In the private sector, employees may ask for additional leave to extend a public holiday; approval is, however, at the employer’s discretion and depends on business considerations and policy. Unapproved leave is considered an absence without permission.
According to HR experts, there is little clarity in leave approval. For granting leave during large holidays, companies generally consider a balance across employees with respect to workload and the need to keep business operations running. Even in the case of large holidays, employees in healthcare, aviation, hospitality, and logistics have the fewest options, as services in these industries must remain operable.
To match the public sector’s full nine-day stretch, private sector employees can apply for one day of annual leave for Monday, May 25, as the public sector receives additional annual leave for this extended break. For many, this sacrifice is worth an extended break.
Many of the workplace policies are not as obscure as many assume. Most employees of the UAE are simply having conversations with management and coming to reasonable solutions to their requests.
Abbas said this break is very timely for him and his family. He stated, “Since I recently have been confirmed in my position, and since my wife and children recently have arrived from Pakistan, I haven’t taken time off for the past six months. This opportunity was the perfect time to take off and spend time with my family.”
He also recognized a considerate arrangement within his team. Since many of his non-Muslim co-workers were scheduled to work that day, as well as co-workers of other faiths, some of his co-workers of the Muslim faith also were not working that day. This policy extremely reflects the commitment to the rich multicultural environment in which the UAE embraces.
How About Schools and Sharjah Employees?
This long holiday also applies to the rest of the public sector.
The Sharjah government’s implementation of a four-day workweek allows government employees an extended break of a total of ten days for holidays.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Group | Holiday Period | Paid Days | Total w/ Weekends | Resumes |
| Public Sector (Federal) | Mon May 25 – Fri May 29 | 5 days | 9 days | June 1 |
| Private Sector | Tue May 26 – Fri May 29 | 4 days | 6 days | June 1 |
| Sharjah Government | Mon May 25 – Fri May 29 | 5 days | 10 days | June 1 |
| Schools (UAE-wide) | Mon May 25 – Fri May 29 | 5 days | 9 days | June 1 |
The Bottom Line for Private Sector Workers
The official position is quite clear: private sector employees are only able to take a six-day-long holiday during this year’s Eid Al Adha, unlike government workers who enjoy nine days off.
The unofficial position is a bit more optimistic. If a private sector employee has an employer that is willing to provide a one-day special leave allowance for Monday, May 25, employees may enjoy a nine-day Eid holiday.
As the UAE’s summer season starts and as holiday travelers are ready to reunite with family, the overwhelming number of holiday requests is understandable. While government holidays become official, the spirit of Eid Al Adha is in employees’ hearts.
To those in the UAE and around the world, Eid Mubarak!
Sources: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Time Out Dubai.
