The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed a nine-day break around Eid Al Adha 2026, combining the third-semester mid-term holiday with the Eid public holiday period. In other words, this is the highly anticipated Eid Al Adha Break 2026 for public schools across the country.
The Dates
The official Eid Al Adha school break runs from Saturday, May 23, to Sunday, May 31. The Eid public holidays themselves fall on May 25–29, and when the surrounding weekends are factored in, students and school staff get nine consecutive days off — making it the longest school break of 2026 outside of summer. As a result, families can look forward to the extended Eid Al Adha Break 2026 this year.
The Ministry of Education announcement was reported by Al Bayan newspaper and applies across public schools. Private schools typically follow the same structure but may have minor variations — check with your school directly if you need the exact dates for private institutions. Remember, Eid Al Adha Break 2026 dates for some private schools may differ slightly.
What About the Private Sector?
Eid Al Adha public holidays for workers in the private sector are announced separately by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Typically, the official Eid Al Adha public holiday covers three days. The actual dates will be confirmed closer to the time based on the moon sighting, so treat mid-May dates as indicative rather than fixed. Still, many families are eager to coordinate their plans for Eid Al Adha Break 2026 as soon as possible.
Planning Around the Break
A nine-day window in late May is useful for a short trip out of the UAE before the summer heat fully sets in. Flights from DXB are now back to full international schedules following the airspace reopening in early May, so availability should be strong — though prices will spike as the holiday approaches. Book early if you’re planning to travel.
For those staying in the UAE, Eid Al Adha is one of the bigger social occasions of the year — expect family gatherings, hotel brunches, and most major malls running extended hours and promotions across the holiday period. Without a doubt, the Eid Al Adha Break 2026 will be a highlight of the calendar for many UAE residents.