DUBAI – Eid ul Azha 2026 is just around two weeks away, and preparations across world are already gaining momentum. Ahead of festive season, UAE government now officially announced extended public holidays for Eid and Arafah Day, giving residents a long break to enjoy occasion with family and celebrations.
United Arab Emirates has officially announced extended public holidays on Eid al-Azha and Day of Arafah, under which government institutions, schools, and private educational institutions will remain closed for several consecutive days, bringing large parts of the country’s administrative and educational system to a temporary halt.
UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said the holiday period for public sector employees will start on Monday, May 25, and continue until Friday, May 29. During this time, all government offices across the UAE will remain fully closed. Normal government operations and official working activities are scheduled to resume on Monday, June 1.
Eid ul Azha Holidays 2026
| Occasion | Holiday | Dates |
| Eid ul Adha | Public Holiday (Eid Break) | May 27, 2026 (expected) |
| Arafah Day | Public Holiday | May 26, 2026 (expected) |
| Eid Holidays (UAE Govt Sector) | Extended Public Holiday Period | May 25 – May 29, 2026 |
| Work Resumption | Normal Operations Resume | June 1, 2026 |
Dubai announced a special public gathering event for the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon. Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities confirmed that the event will be held on Sunday, May 17, at Jebel Nazwa Trail, starting at 5:00 PM and continuing until sunset. A large public turnout is expected for this important religious and astronomical occasion.
Astronomical experts indicated that the starting of Dhul Hijjah is likely to fall on Monday, May 18. According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, the new moon will be born at exactly 12:01 AM on the night of May 17. However, officials have emphasized that the final confirmation will be made by the official moon-sighting committee.
Eid ul Azha 2026 in Pakistan
Tentative confirmed schedule for Eid ul Azha 2026, with initial astronomical calculations pointing to Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (10th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH) as the most likely date for Bakra Eid.
Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said Dhul Hijjah moon is expected to be visible on the evening of May 17, 2026. The conditions are reported to be favorable, with the moon expected to be over 18 hours old at sunset—especially clear in coastal regions.
If this prediction holds, the Islamic calendar for Pakistan would unfold as follows:
- 1st Dhul Hijjah: Monday, May 18, 2026
- 10th Dhul Hijjah (Eid ul Azha): Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Despite strong astronomical indicators, the final word will come from Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee (Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee). The committee is expected to meet around May 17, 2026, to officially confirm the moon sighting.
Authorities caution that, as always with lunar observations, the date could shift by one day forward or backward, meaning Eid may also fall on May 28, 2026 in some scenarios.
If confirmed, Pakistan is likely to observe holiday period from May 26 – 29.
- May 26, 27 (Wednesday): Eid
- May 28 (Thursday): Eid holiday
- May 29 (Friday): Extended holiday
During this period, government offices, banks, schools, and most private institutions are expected to shut down as millions prepare for Qurbani (sacrifice), family gatherings, and travel across the country.
