Dubai and UAE residents could be in for a welcome break this March, with Eid Al Fitr 2026 likely to deliver a four-day long weekend.

While the official dates depend on moon sightings, Ramadan is expected to begin around February 18 or 19, meaning Eid Al Fitr could fall between March 19 and March 21.

Under UAE public holiday law, residents are guaranteed the first three days of Shawwal off, with an extra day added if Ramadan completes 30 days.

And here’s the good news: three out of four calendar scenarios result in a four-day weekend.

When Could the UAE Eid Break Start?

Depending on moon sightings:

• The holiday could begin on Thursday, March 19
• Or start Friday, March 20
• And potentially extend until Monday, March 23

For many UAE residents, that means a rare opportunity for:

• A short international trip
• A staycation in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
• Family visits
• Or simply four days to rest and reset

What Residents Are Planning

Popular short-haul destinations from the UAE include:

Jordan – 4 Nights / 5 Days

From Dh4,999 per person

Perfect for history and adventure lovers.

Highlights:

• Petra full-day tour
• Wadi Rum desert safari, overnight camp
• Dead Sea floating experience
• Jerash Roman ruins
• Amman city tour

Ideal for travellers wanting culture, desert landscapes and spiritual landmarks.

Russia – Moscow, St Petersburg

From Dh4,999 per person

A premium European-style Eid escape without Schengen visa stress.

Highlights:

• Red Square & Kremlin
• Hermitage Museum
• High-speed Sapsan train ride
• Catherine Palace & Amber Room

Perfect for architecture lovers and city explorers.

Sri Lanka – 3 Nights / 4 Days

From Dh2,999 per person

Short, affordable and scenic.

Highlights:

• Hill country landscapes
• Relaxed group touring
• Lush greenery and iconic rail views

Great for families or first-time international travellers.

Maldives

From Dh2,055 return

Luxury island escape just over four hours from Abu Dhabi. Think:

• Overwater villas
• Turquoise lagoons
• Private beach relaxation

Ideal for couples or families wanting a quick tropical reset.

Istanbul

From Dh4,275 return

A favourite among UAE travellers for:

• Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace
• Bosphorus views
• Incredible food scene

Bangkok

From Dh1,455 return

Affordable and vibrant:

• Temples and street markets
• Rooftop dining
• World-famous street food

Kuala Lumpur

From dh1,815 return

Modern skyline meets cultural heritage:

• Petronas Twin Towers
• Batu Caves
• Shopping and food hubs

Many residents are already browsing early deals to avoid peak pricing closer to the holiday.

Eid travel is one of the busiest periods of the year. Flight prices and hotel rates typically rise closer to the holiday once official dates are confirmed.

Not Travelling? Staycations and Family Time

For families with school-age children or residents preferring to stay local, Eid long weekends are also ideal for:

• Desert camping trips
• Resort staycations
• Visiting theme parks and attractions
• Hosting family gatherings

Hotels across the UAE typically launch Eid packages once official dates are confirmed. With a potential four-day weekend ahead, planning early could make all the difference.