Eid Al Fitr holiday announced for UAE private-sector workers

Workers will enjoy a public holiday from Ramadan 29 – Saturday, April 30 – until Shawwal 3.

It will be a paid holiday for all private sector workers on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.

This means the holiday will be from Saturday, April 30, and last until Tuesday, May 3 or Wednesday, May 4, depending on the start date of Eid.

Eid is expected to fall on Monday, May 2, according to the International Astronomical Centre, but will be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee.

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan but the exact date depends on the sighting of the Moon. The holy month lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent is sighted.

Earlier, the Eid break for government staff was revealed. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said this would also run from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3.

What is Eid Al Fitr?

At the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is the holiday that marks the completion of the month-long fasting.

Practices vary around the world, but commonly include morning prayers, public holidays, visiting family and friends, new clothing and henna, gifts and charity donations.

Top travel destinations this Eid Al Fitr - in pictures

The US is the most popular destination for travellers from the Middle East and Africa, according to the latest data from digital travel marketing company Sojern.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Eid Al Fitr holiday announced for UAE private-sector workers

The public holiday will begin on Saturday, April 30

What is Eid Al Fitr?

Top travel destinations this Eid Al Fitr - in pictures

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

While you're here