Overview
- A coordinated series of crescent sightings in the Gulf confirmed 1 Dhu al‑Hijjah and set Eid al‑Adha for Wednesday, May 27, a determination reported after the May 17 sighting that underpins this year’s official dates.
- The UAE fixed separate schedules: federal employees get May 25–29 off, private sector workers get May 26–29, and schools have a midterm/Eid break from May 25–29, producing effective nine‑ to ten‑day breaks for some staff in emirates with different weekends.
- Pakistan’s Cabinet approved May 26–28 as public holidays for Eid, prompting the State Bank, commercial banks and the stock market to plan operations only on May 25 and May 29 while essential services remain on duty.
- Kuwait announced public‑sector holidays from May 26–31 and authorities in the UAE and emirates have issued local guidance on park hours, leave approvals and staffing for essential services, with overtime and employer discretion governing private‑sector absences.
- The differing dates reflect local moon‑sighting traditions rather than error, a practice that explains why India and some South Asian areas may observe Eid on May 28 and why livestock markets and travel plans are already reacting to price and timing pressures.