Government employees may be set for an unusually long break around Eid-ul-Adha this year, with the potential for a continuous holiday of up to ten days if official leave, weekly holidays, and optional leave are combined strategically.
Under the current public holiday schedule, the core Eid-ul-Adha holiday is expected to run from 26 May (Tuesday) to 31 May (Sunday), creating a six-day official break. Within this period, 26 May and 31 May are expected to be declared as executive holidays, effectively extending the formal Eid leave structure and ensuring a continuous mid-year shutdown for public offices.
However, the total duration of the break could expand further depending on how weekly holidays are aligned. The preceding Friday and Saturday, 22 and 23 May, fall on the standard weekend. If administrative arrangements allow for smooth integration between weekend and festive leave, employees may already benefit from an extended pause before Eid begins.
The key factor in reaching a ten-day continuous holiday lies in optional leave. Government employees who are able to take additional discretionary leave on 24 May (Sunday) and 25 May (Monday) could extend their holiday significantly. When combined with the weekend and official Eid break, this creates a seamless uninterrupted period away from work.
Holiday Configuration Overview
| Date | Day | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–23 May | Friday–Saturday | Weekly holiday | Regular weekend break |
| 24–25 May | Sunday–Monday | Optional leave | Employee-requested leave |
| 26–31 May | Tuesday–Sunday | Eid-ul-Adha holiday | Official and executive holidays |
If all components align, the total continuous holiday period may stretch from 22 May to 31 May, resulting in a ten-day break for eligible employees. This would make it one of the longest uninterrupted public holiday periods of the year, offering significant time for domestic travel, family gatherings, and religious observance.
A similar extension approach was previously observed during the Eid-ul-Fitr period, when the government adjusted the holiday structure to provide an additional day off, effectively extending the overall break.
Meanwhile, several countries in the Middle East have already outlined their Eid-ul-Adha holiday arrangements. Oman has announced a public holiday beginning on 26 May and continuing until 30 May, along with an additional day off on 25 May to mark national celebrations. In the United Arab Emirates, astronomical projections indicate that Arafat Day is likely to fall on 26 May, with Eid-ul-Adha expected on 27 May.
Regionally, Eid dates vary slightly depending on moon sighting practices. Bangladesh typically observes Eid a day after many Gulf countries, suggesting that the festival may fall on 28 May locally.
Eid-ul-Adha, observed on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar, commemorates the devotion and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. It is one of the most significant religious festivals in the Muslim world, marked by communal prayers, charitable giving, and ritual animal sacrifice.