A potentially extended holiday period is on the horizon for government employees, with the possibility of a continuous break of up to ten days surrounding Eid-ul-Adha, depending on the strategic use of official, weekly, and optional leave.
According to the current public holiday calendar, the official Eid-ul-Adha break is expected to run from 26 May (Tuesday) to 31 May (Sunday), comprising six consecutive days. Within this period, 26 May and 31 May are likely to be declared as executive holidays, effectively extending the core Eid leave window.
In addition to this, the regular weekly holidays falling on 22 May (Friday) and 23 May (Saturday) could further extend the uninterrupted break. If administrative adjustments allow Saturday to be treated flexibly or combined with the festive leave period, the holiday sequence becomes even more advantageous for employees planning extended travel or family reunions.
The most significant extension, however, depends on the use of optional leave. Government employees who apply for two days of optional leave immediately before the Eid break—on 24 May (Sunday) and 25 May (Monday)—could potentially enjoy a continuous holiday stretch beginning from 22 May through 31 May.
Proposed Holiday Structure
| Date Range |
Day(s) |
Type of Leave |
Notes |
| 22–23 May |
Friday–Saturday |
Weekly holiday |
Regular weekend |
| 24–25 May |
Sunday–Monday |
Optional leave |
Employee-selected |
| 26–31 May |
Tuesday–Sunday |
Eid-ul-Adha holiday |
Includes executive holidays |
If all elements align, the total uninterrupted break could reach ten days, representing one of the longest holiday periods of the year for public sector employees. A similar extension approach was previously applied during the Eid-ul-Fitr period, when an additional day was added to the official schedule.
Meanwhile, several countries in the Gulf region have already announced their Eid-ul-Adha holiday arrangements. In Oman, authorities have declared a break from 26 May (Tuesday morning) until 30 May (Saturday evening), along with an additional public holiday on 25 May in observance of Independence Day celebrations.
In the United Arab Emirates, astronomical projections suggest that Arafat Day may fall on 26 May (Tuesday), with Eid-ul-Adha likely to be observed on 27 May (Wednesday). In line with regional practice, Bangladesh typically observes Eid a day later than many Middle Eastern countries, indicating that the festival may fall on 28 May in the country.
Eid-ul-Adha, observed on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar, commemorates the profound devotion and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. It remains one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims worldwide, marked by communal prayers and the ritual sacrifice of animals.
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