Private sector employees in the UAE can take a 9-day Eid Al Adha holiday break, but only if their employers agree to give them Monday off. The break, which starts on the first day of Eid Al Adha, will give employees a total of nine days off, including the weekend.
Employer Approval Required
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, private sector employees can take the holiday break if their employers agree to give them Monday off. However, employees who work in essential services, such as healthcare and transportation, may not be able to take the break. The ministry has clarified that employers must approve the break for employees to take it off, and employees must provide a formal request to their employers at least 30 days in advance.
The UAE government has already announced that all public sector employees will get a 9-day Eid Al Adha holiday break, starting from the first day of Eid Al Adha. The break will give employees a total of nine days off, including the weekend. This decision was made to ensure that public sector employees can spend quality time with their families and loved ones during the Eid Al Adha celebrations.
Private sector employees who are eligible for the holiday break can take Monday off, but they must ensure that their work is completed before the break. Employees who are not eligible for the break may be required to work on Monday to ensure that their duties are covered. The UAE government has encouraged employers to be flexible and consider the needs of their employees during the Eid Al Adha celebrations.
Eligibility Criteria
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has clarified that private sector employees who are eligible for the holiday break must meet certain criteria. Employees must have completed at least six months of service with their current employer, and they must have a good attendance record. Employees who have a poor attendance record or who have been absent from work without a valid reason may not be eligible for the break.
Employees who are eligible for the holiday break must also provide a formal request to their employers at least 30 days in advance. The request must include the employee's name, job title, and the dates of the holiday break. Employers must approve the request and ensure that the employee's work is covered during the break.
The UAE government has encouraged employers to be flexible and consider the needs of their employees during the Eid Al Adha celebrations. Employers who are unable to approve the holiday break may provide alternative arrangements, such as paid leave or flexible working hours.
Holiday Break Dates
The Eid Al Adha holiday break will start on the first day of Eid Al Adha, which falls on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The break will last for nine days, until Friday, 29 May 2026. Employees who are eligible for the holiday break can take Monday off, but they must ensure that their work is completed before the break.
Employees who are not eligible for the break may be required to work on Monday to ensure that their duties are covered. The UAE government has encouraged employers to be flexible and consider the needs of their employees during the Eid Al Adha celebrations.
Conclusion
The UAE government has announced that private sector employees can take a 9-day Eid Al Adha holiday break, but only if their employers agree to give them Monday off. Employees who are eligible for the holiday break must meet certain criteria, including completing at least six months of service with their current employer and having a good attendance record.
Employees who are eligible for the holiday break must provide a formal request to their employers at least 30 days in advance, and employers must approve the request and ensure that the employee's work is covered during the break. The UAE government has encouraged employers to be flexible and consider the needs of their employees during the Eid Al Adha celebrations.





