As Ramadan 2026 unfolds in full swing and moves closer to Shawwal, millions of residents and workers across the United Arab Emirates are preparing for Eid al Fitr, one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations in the Muslim world. Alongside the joy and festivities, residents also need to understand their legal rights as employees, especially if they are asked to work during this official public holiday or want to make the most of their break.Every year the UAE observes Eid al Fitr as a paid public holiday, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. The exact starting date depends on the lunar sighting after Ramadan but authorities have announced that the Eid holiday period in 2026 will likely run from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, giving many workers a four-day break. Government employees are set to have the full period off, while private sector workers will definitely have March 19–21 off, with the possibility of an extended break if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Can Your Employer Make You Work? The Law Says This
While most employees look forward to time with family and travel, labour laws in the UAE protect workers’ rights during public holidays, including Eid and set out clear rules for compensation if a worker is asked to work during such days.
What UAE labour law says about working on Eid
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law), workers are entitled to official days off with full pay on public holidays defined by the Cabinet, such as Eid al Fitr. These holidays are part of the standard benefits that protect employees’ time and income.However, in some sectors, especially hospitality, retail, healthcare and essential services, employers may require staff to work on public holidays due to operational needs. The law provides two lawful compensation options that employers must offer if work is necessary during Eid:
- Alternative Paid Leave: The employee receives a replacement day off with full pay at a future date;
- Premium Pay: The employee gets paid their normal daily wage plus at least a 50% premium of their basic
salary for the hours worked on the holiday.
In practice, this means you cannot be made to work on Eid without receiving proper compensation, either time off or extra pay and your employer must honour one of those options if they ask you to work during the holiday.
What to do if your UAE employer does not compensate your Eid work correctly
If you believe your employer has asked you to work during the Eid holiday without offering the legally required compensation:
- Raise the issue internally first: Speak with your HR department or direct supervisor and explain your rights under the law.
- Keep records: Save pay slips, emails or schedules showing that you worked on an Eid public holiday without proper compensation.
- File a complaint with MoHRE: If internal resolution fails, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), which handles private sector labour disputes in the UAE.
- MoHRE mediation: The ministry will review your complaint and attempt mediation between you and your employer to ensure compliance with labour law.
MoHRE’s role is crucial as it ensures that employers follow the law and protects workers’ rights without discrimination, regardless of nationality or job sector.
Eid al Fitr in the UAE: More than just a public holiday
While Eid al Fitr carries important legal implications for working rights, it is primarily a festive period of celebration, reflection and family reunions across the UAE. Muslims around the country gather for Eid prayers, share food, visit relatives and exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak”. The holiday also offers an opportunity for many expatriates and residents to travel, relax or explore the UAE’s rich cultural offerings.
UAE Workers Alert: Don’t Work on Eid Without Reading This First
The period after Ramadan, particularly the Eid break, is also a time when many people take annual leave to extend their time off. With Ramadan and Eid falling in March 2026, strategic planning of annual leave around these public holidays could lead to longer breaks, travel opportunities and family time.
UAE holiday dates and planning tips for Eid al Fitr
Here is the likely Eid al Fitr holiday period for 2026 in the UAE:
- Public Sector – Thu, Mar 19 to Sun, Mar 22; four days off for government and federal entities; resumes Mon, Mar 23.
- Private Sector – Thu, Mar 19 to Sat, Mar 21; three days off guaranteed. Extended to Sun, Mar 22 if Ramadan is 30 days.
Exact dates depend on the official moon-sighting confirmation on the 29th of Ramadan. Eid al Fitr is more than a statutory break, it is a part of the UAE’s cultural calendar that touches every resident’s life, from schooling schedules to workplace planning and travel markets. Knowing your rights helps you:
- Plan your leave strategically
- Ensure you receive lawful compensation if working on a holiday
- Avoid misunderstandings with employers
- Enjoy your time off without falling foul of labour regulations
With the holiday dates now widely published and the law clear on compensation requirements, workers and employers alike can prepare for Eid Al Fitr 2026 with confidence and clarity. Eid al Fitr 2026 holidays in the UAE are expected from March 19 to March 22 for most workers, depending on moon sighting. UAE Labour Law mandates compensation for employees who work on public holidays, either extra pay (minimum 50% premium) or alternate leave. Workers can file complaints with MoHRE if their rights are not honoured. Eid Al Fitr is both a festive break and a labour-rights milestone in the UAE employment calendar.
