Eid Al-Adha 2026 Holidays for Up to 10-Days: Check When is Bakrid in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain & Kuwait

As Muslims across the world prepare for Eid Al-Adha 2026 (Bakrid), countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have officially announced their holiday schedules. The festival, which marks one of the most significant occasions in Islam, is expected to bring extended breaks for both public and private sector employees across the region, especially benefiting the large expat workforce in the Gulf.

Eid-Al-Adha 2026 Date Announced: Check Holiday for Bakrid in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait & Other Gulf Countries

Eid Al-Adha is observed in remembrance of devotion and sacrifice, and its exact dates depend on the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon, which determines the start of the Islamic pilgrimage period and the timing of Arafah Day and Eid celebrations.

Eid Al-Adha 2026 Holiday in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Other Regions of UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced that the Eid Al-Adha holiday for federal government employees will run from Monday to Friday.

When combined with the regular weekend, many employees in the UAE could enjoy a potential nine-day extended break, with work expected to resume on June 1, 2026.

For expats working in both government-linked and private sector roles, this creates one of the longest mid-year holiday periods, offering time for travel, family visits, and rest.

Four-day Eid Al-Adha Holiday In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has declared a four-day Eid Al-Adha holiday, beginning on Arafah Day (May 26, 2026).

Employees across both public and private sectors are expected to return to work on Sunday, May 31, 2026, following the standard Friday-Saturday weekend structure.

The holiday period remains one of the most important in the Kingdom, with large-scale domestic travel and religious gatherings expected, especially around Makkah and Madinah.

Oman Eid Al-Adha 2026 Holiday Schedule

Oman has announced a unified holiday period for both public and private sector employees.

According to official communication, the Eid Al-Adha holiday will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and will continue until the end of the week.

Work is scheduled to resume on Sunday, May 31, 2026, giving employees across sectors a coordinated break period.

Eid Al-Adha 2026 Holiday From 26 to 29 May 2026 in Bahrain

In Bahrain, government ministries and public institutions will remain closed from Tuesday through Friday for Eid Al-Adha.

Since Friday already forms part of the weekend, authorities have also announced compensatory leave, extending the break for many public sector employees until Sunday, May 31, 2026.

This effectively provides a six-day holiday period, widely welcomed by workers, including expatriates in government roles.

Eid Al-Adha 2026 Holidays Till Sunday, May 31, 2026 in Kuwait

Kuwait's Cabinet has also confirmed official Eid Al-Adha holidays for ministries, government departments, and public institutions from Tuesday until Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Authorities noted that organizations with essential or operational requirements may adjust schedules based on internal needs, ensuring continuity of critical services.

For many workers, this results in a long continuous break spanning nearly a week, making it one of the most significant holiday periods in the country.

What This Means for Expats in the Gulf

For the large expatriate population across GCC countries, Eid Al-Adha 2026 is expected to bring one of the most anticipated holiday breaks of the year.

Many expat workers may use this period for:

• Travel within the region or home countries
• Family reunions after long working periods
• Religious observance and community gatherings
• Rest and recovery during extended breaks

With holiday durations ranging from four days to nearly ten days in some cases, the Eid period is set to create widespread movement across airports and travel hubs in the Gulf region.

When is Eid Al-Adha 2026?

Eid Al-Adha 2026 is expected to fall on May 27, 2026, depending on the official moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah. The exact date may vary slightly across GCC countries based on local astronomical and religious observations.