Working on Eid 2026? Here’s what your boss legally owes you
With Ramadan 2026 in full swing and Shawwal approaching, millions of residents and workers across the UAE are preparing for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations in the Islamic world.
Besides the joy and celebrations, residents also need to understand their legal rights as employees, especially if they are asked to work during this public holiday or want to make the most of their vacation.Every year, the United Arab Emirates celebrates Eid al-Fitr as a paid public holiday, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. The exact start date depends on the sighting of the moon after Ramadan, but authorities have announced that the Eid holiday period in 2026 will likely extend from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, giving many workers four days off.
Government employees are scheduled to receive a full period of leave, while private sector employees will certainly receive leave from March 19 to 21, with the possibility of extended leave 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 spending time with family and travelling, UAE labor laws protect workers’ rights during public holidays, including Eid, and set out clear rules for compensation if a worker is required to work during these days.
What the UAE Labor Law says a job On Eid
Under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 (UAE Labor Law), workers are entitled to official days off with full pay on official holidays determined by the Council of Ministers, such as Eid al-Fitr. These leaves are part of standard benefits that protect employees’ time and income.However, in some sectors, particularly hospitality, retail, healthcare and essential services, employers may require employees to work on public holidays due to operational needs. The law provides two legal compensation options that employers must provide if work is necessary during the holiday:
- Paid alternative leave: The employee receives an alternate day off with full pay at a later date;
- Payment installment: The employee receives his regular daily wage plus a premium of at least 50% of the basic wage
salary For holiday working hours.
In practical terms, this means that you cannot be forced to work on the holiday without receiving appropriate compensation, either vacation or overtime pay and your employer must respect one of these options if you are asked to work during the holiday.
What to do if your employer in the UAE does not properly compensate your work on Eid
If you believe your employer has asked you to work during the Eid holiday without providing the legally required compensation:
- Broach the topic internally first: Talk to your Human Resources department or your immediate supervisor and explain your rights under the law.
- Record keeping: Save pay stubs, emails, or timesheets that show you worked a holiday without proper compensation.
- Submit a complaint to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation: If internal resolution fails, you can file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), which handles labor disputes in the private sector in the UAE.
- Mediation of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation: The Ministry will review your complaint and attempt to mediate between you and your employer to ensure compliance with the Labor Law.
The role of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is crucial because it ensures that employers adhere to the law and protect workers’ rights without discrimination, regardless of nationality or sector of work.
Eid al-Fitr in the United Arab Emirates: More than just a public holiday
Although Eid al-Fitr carries important legal implications for labor rights, it is primarily a festive period of celebration, reflection and family reunion across the UAE.
Muslims across the country gather to perform Eid prayers, share food, visit relatives and exchange “Eid Mubarak” greetings. The holiday also provides an opportunity for many expatriates and residents to travel, relax or explore the rich cultural offerings of the UAE.
Warning for workers in the UAE: Do not work on Eid without reading this first
The period following Ramadan, especially the Eid holiday, is also a time when many people take annual leave to extend their vacations. With Ramadan and Eid due in March 2026, strategically planning annual leave around these public holidays may lead to longer breaks, travel opportunities and family time.
Holiday dates in the UAE and planning tips for Eid al-Fitr
Below is the possible Eid al-Fitr holiday period for 2026 in the UAE:
- public sector – Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22; Four days of leave for government and federal agencies. Resumes Monday, March 23.
- private sector – Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21; Three days guaranteed vacation. It extends to Sunday, March 22 if Ramadan has 30 days.
The exact dates depend on the official confirmation of the sighting of the crescent on the 29th of Ramadan. Eid Al Fitr is more than just a public holiday, it is part of the UAE’s cultural calendar that touches the lives of every resident, from school schedules to workplace planning and travel markets. Knowing your rights helps you:
- Plan your vacation strategically
- Make sure you get legal compensation if you work on holiday
- Avoid misunderstandings with employers
- Enjoy your vacation without falling foul of labor regulations
With 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. The 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday in the UAE is expected to be from March 19 to 22 for most workers, depending on the sighting of the moon. The UAE Labor Law stipulates that employees who work on public holidays are compensated, either with additional pay (at least 50% premium) or alternative leave.
Workers can file complaints with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation if their rights are not respected. Eid Al Fitr is a celebratory holiday and a labor rights milestone in the UAE employment calendar.
