UAE Sets Eid Al Etihad Holidays With Two Paid Days for Private Sector, Three for Government

Federal government employees get a longer break. The UAE Government Media Office said the official holiday for the federal government runs from Wednesday, December 2, to Friday, December 4, with official working hours resuming on Monday, December 7. Combined with the Saturday-Sunday weekend, that gives government staff five consecutive days off.

The different schedules mean federal offices will be closed on Friday, December 4, while private businesses are expected to work. Private-sector employees whose weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday can match the government break by taking that Friday as annual leave, which would also return them to work on Monday, December 7.

For employers, the dates set the staffing and service calendar for the first week of December, a period when many companies also wind down for year-end. Businesses that depend on federal services, from licensing to customs processing, will have to plan around government offices being shut for three working days.

Eid Al Etihad is celebrated each year on December 2 to mark the founding of the federation in 1971, when six emirates united. Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972, completing the union of seven emirates. This year's holiday marks 55 years since the country's formation, and nationwide celebrations are planned around the date.

Individual emirates may announce their own arrangements for local government departments and schools, which often follow the federal schedule. The federal government's return to work is set for Monday, December 7.