UAE Announces Three-Day Eid Al Etihad Holiday for Federal Government Employees in 2026

The UAE has confirmed a three-day public holiday for federal government employees in December to mark the country's 55th Eid Al Etihad celebrations.

The announcement was made on Friday, November 13, giving employees and businesses several weeks to prepare for one of the country's most important annual occasions.

According to the official announcement, the holiday will run from Wednesday, December 2, to Friday, December 4. Federal government offices are expected to resume normal operations on Monday, December 7.

With the regular Saturday and Sunday weekend, federal employees will have five consecutive days away from work.

Official holiday dates confirmed

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced the holiday arrangements.

The confirmed schedule is:

- Wednesday, December 2: Public holiday

- Thursday, December 3: Public holiday

- Friday, December 4: Public holiday

- Saturday, December 5: Weekend

- Sunday, December 6: Weekend

- Monday, December 7: Government offices reopen

The announcement specifically confirms the federal government holiday. Private-sector employees should follow the relevant official announcement and guidance from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

What is Eid Al Etihad?

Eid Al Etihad marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971.

The federation was established when six emirates came together to form one country. Ras Al Khaimah joined the union in February 1972.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, widely recognised as the Founding Father of the UAE, played a central role in establishing the federation and became its first President.

The occasion is now celebrated across the country as a symbol of unity, national identity and the achievements of the UAE.

Five days for travel and family celebrations

The extended holiday is expected to give residents more opportunities to organise family gatherings, travel and leisure activities.

For people planning international trips, the announcement provides an opportunity to arrange flights and accommodation ahead of the busy December period.

Residents staying in the country can also look forward to celebrations, cultural programmes and entertainment activities across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates.

Hotels, shopping destinations and tourism businesses may also see increased visitor activity during the holiday period.

What businesses and residents should know

The announcement gives employers time to review staffing arrangements and plan their operations around the holiday.

Businesses in retail, hospitality, aviation and tourism may need to prepare for changes in customer demand.

Residents should also check official updates concerning government services, public transport and other facilities operating during the holiday.

Employees should confirm the arrangements applicable to their own workplace rather than assuming that every organisation follows the federal government schedule.

UAE prepares for its 55th anniversary

The 2026 celebrations mark 55 years since the formation of the UAE.

Over more than five decades, the country has developed into a major international destination for business, tourism, aviation, finance and technology.

Eid Al Etihad provides an opportunity for Emiratis and residents from different backgrounds to celebrate the country's history and reflect on its development.

With the December holiday dates now confirmed, families and businesses can begin preparing for the celebrations.