Other BriefingsEid al Fitr 2025 Holidays and Private Sector Guidelines in GCC
Eid al Fitr holidays for the private sector in GCC countries vary by nation, with most granting three to five days off. Labor laws ensure fair compensation for employees required to work during this period.
By Sudhanshu Singh
Eid al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, bringing a period of festivity and relaxation for employees across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The holiday period for the private sector varies by country, with official announcements made by labor ministries based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
This article provides an overview of Eid al Fitr holidays for the private sector in key GCC economies, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, along with relevant labor law guidelines regarding holiday entitlements, compensation, and employer obligations.
Eid al Fitr holidays for the private sector in GCC countries
In UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has declared a paid holiday from Sunday, March 30, to Tuesday, April 1. If Ramadan lasts for 30 days, the holiday will extend to Wednesday, April 2.
Similarly, in KSA, the private sector holiday begins on Sunday, March 30, and runs until Thursday, April 3. This effectively grants a long break, as the preceding Friday (March 28) and Saturday (March 29) are already weekend days.
Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced two possible scenarios for Eid holidays. If the first day of Eid falls on Sunday, March 30, the holiday will last three days, ending on Tuesday, April 1, with work resuming on Wednesday, April 2. However, if Eid begins on Monday, March 31, the holiday will extend to five days, ending on Thursday, April 3, with work resuming on Sunday, April 6. Government institutions and ministries may adjust their schedules based on operational requirements.
In Qatar, astronomical predictions suggest that March 30 will be the first day of Eid, with private sector holidays expected to range between three to five days, depending on employer policies and the duration of Ramadan. The exact length of the break is subject to official government announcements.
Oman has declared a five-day holiday for the private sector from Sunday, March 30, to Thursday, April 3. Due to the country’s Friday-Saturday weekend structure, this creates a potential nine-day holiday period if extended into the weekend of April 4-5. But this is contingent on further government confirmation.
Public holiday entitlements for private sector employees in the GCC
Aside from Eid al Fitr, private-sector employees in GCC countries are entitled to other public holidays. The exact number of holidays varies by country, and some dates are only confirmed closer to the event based on lunar calculations. Below is a general overview of the annual public holidays provided to private sector employees in UAE and KSA:
|
Public holidays in the UAE |
|
| Holiday | Number of Days |
| New Hijri Year | 1 Day |
| New Year’s Day | 1 Day |
| Eid al Fitr | 2 Days |
| Eid al Adha and Arafat Day | 3 Days |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | 1 Day |
| Isra and Mi’raj | 1 Day |
| National Day | 1 Day |
Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha are Islamic holidays, meaning the exact dates are only confirmed based on moon sightings.
Martyrs’ Day (November 30) was recently declared a holiday but has yet to be officially listed in the UAE Official Gazette.
|
Public holidays in Saudi Arabia (KSA) |
|
| Holiday | Number of Days |
| Eid al Fitr | 3 Days |
| Eid al Adha and Arafat Day | 4 Days |
| National Day | 1 Day |
Like the UAE, Saudi public holidays depend on moon sightings and official government announcements.
Regulations on holiday entitlements and compensation
UAE: Overtime pay for holiday work
In the UAE, employees required to work during Eid al Fitr are entitled to either compensatory leave with an additional 50 percent salary bonus or 150 percent of their regular salary in lieu of leave. The UAE labor law mandates that employers must provide this additional compensation to ensure fair treatment of workers during official public holidays. Senior and managerial employees are also eligible for overtime pay if they work during the Eid holiday period.
Read more about the official 2025 holidays schedule in UAE:
Saudi Arabia: Overtime rules
Saudi Arabia’s labor law considers all work done during Eid al Fitr holidays as overtime. Employees required to work during this period must be compensated with their hourly wage plus 50% of their basic salary. This regulation ensures that employees are fairly rewarded for working during an important religious holiday.
Kuwait and Qatar: Employer discretion
In Kuwait and Qatar, labor laws allow employers to require employees to work on public holidays if necessary. But companies are expected to offer either overtime pay or an alternative rest day in compensation. While there is no fixed percentage increase mandated for holiday work in these countries, many employers follow best labor practices to retain employee satisfaction and ensure workforce compliance.
Oman: Extended holiday considerations
Oman does not have a strict legal requirement for additional compensation if employees work during Eid al Fitr. Many private-sector companies voluntarily provide extra leave days, financial incentives, or holiday bonuses to encourage employee morale and maintain industry best practices.
Eid al Fitr is a major holiday across the GCC, with private sector employees generally receiving three to five days of paid leave. While labor laws ensure employees receive fair compensation for working during this period, companies must carefully balance business continuity with employee well-being.
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