The official break begins on Wednesday, December 2, and continues through Friday, December 4, Work will resume on Monday, December 7, giving employees covered by the announcement a confirmed timetable for the national occasion.

For employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off, the holiday joins directly with the weekend to create five consecutive days away from work.

Their break will therefore run from Wednesday, December 2, through Sunday, December 6, before they return on Monday morning.

The five-day period combines three announced holiday dates with two regular weekend days, a distinction that matters when calculating the total break.

The announcement gives employees time to coordinate family visits, consider a short trip or arrange personal commitments before the celebrations begin.

With both the start date and the return date confirmed, eligible staff can plan around a clearly defined period.

Those considering travel can use that timetable when choosing departure and return dates, while checking any arrangements applicable to their workplace.

The announcement covers employees of federal ministries and entities, including citizens and residents working for those organisations.

The five-day calculation applies to those whose normal weekly rest days fall on Saturday and Sunday.

Employees working for other organisations should refer to their own employer’s confirmed holiday schedule when deciding whether the same dates apply to them.

The holiday marks the UAE’s 55th Eid Al Etihad and offers eligible employees an opportunity to spend time with family during the national celebration.

Anyone planning a transaction with a federal entity can consult its official channels for information about service arrangements during the holiday.

For covered employees, the key dates remain Wednesday, December 2, for the start of the holiday and Monday, December 7, for the resumption of official duties.

Source: Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and Aletihad, November 13, 2026.