UAE Eid Al Adha Holidays: Can Private Sector Employees Take Monday Off to Turn the Break Into a 9-day Vacation?

As UAE residents prepare for the Eid Al Adha holidays, many private sector employees are looking at the possibility of extending their official break by taking Monday off and turning the six-day holiday into a nine-day break.

Private sector employees are expected to be off from Tuesday, May 26, to Sunday, May 31, while public sector employees will enjoy a longer holiday from Saturday, May 23, to Sunday, May 31, after Monday, May 25, was included as an official Eid holiday for government staff.

The possibility of securing an additional day off has prompted many private sector workers to plan family trips, local travel and extended rest periods. However, approvals for extra leave are expected to vary from company to company, depending on workplace policies, staffing availability and operational demands.

Across the UAE, employers generally retain the discretion to approve or reject leave requests based on business requirements. Companies are also expected to assess factors such as workload, shift coverage and fairness among employees before granting additional leave during busy holiday periods.

Industries that require uninterrupted services, including healthcare, aviation, hospitality, transportation, logistics, retail and emergency-related sectors, are likely to maintain regular staffing schedules throughout the Eid break. In many workplaces, staggered leave approvals and coordinated handovers are commonly used to ensure operations continue smoothly while allowing some employees extended time off.

Under UAE Labour Law, private sector employees may request paid or unpaid leave, but employers have the authority to decide leave arrangements according to operational requirements, company policies and the nature of the work. Employees are also generally expected to review their contractual obligations and workplace responsibilities before finalising holiday plans.

If approved, the additional Monday leave could allow many Dubai-based private sector employees to enjoy nine consecutive days off. In Sharjah, where some organisations follow a different weekend structure, certain employees could receive an even longer break.

For many residents, the extended holiday is seen less as an opportunity for international travel and more as valuable family time. Employees across different sectors are expected to use the break for rest, household responsibilities, local tourism and spending time with relatives after months of demanding work schedules.