Iraq Public Holidays & Observances 2026: Official Dates & Guide

Staying updated on Iraq Public Holidays 2026 is essential for coordinating business operations, school schedules, and personal travel. This year is particularly unique due to the rare overlap of major religious and national festivals in March.

2026 Official Holiday Calendar (English & Arabic)

Iraq follows a dual calendar system. While civil holidays are fixed, Islamic holidays (Al-Utlat al-Diniya) are subject to the lunar Hijri calendar and official moon sightings.

Ramadan 2026 in Iraq

The holy month of Ramadan (شهر رمضان) is expected to begin on February 18, 2026. While it is not a public holiday, daily life in Iraq changes significantly:

• Working Hours: Most government offices and private companies reduce their workday by 1–2 hours.
• Public Etiquette: In accordance with Iraqi law and custom, refrain from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
• Spirituality: The last ten nights, including Laylat al-Qadr (ليلة القدر) around March 16, see increased mosque attendance and late-night shopping.

The Major Eids

1. Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر)

Expected to start on March 20, 2026, this marks the end of Ramadan.

• The "Mega-Break": Because Nowruz (نوروز) falls on March 21, 2026, residents can expect a combined holiday period of 4–5 days.
• Traditions: Iraqis celebrate with Kleicha (traditional cookies) and family visits (Ziyarat).
  
  

2. Eid al-Adha (عيد الأضحى)

Expected to start on May 27, 2026, the "Festival of Sacrifice" is the longest official break of the year.

• Duration: Typically a 4-day holiday.
• Impact: All government institutions, including the Central Bank of Iraq, will be closed.

Labor Law: Working on Holidays in Iraq

If you are an employee in Iraq, the Iraqi Labour Law (No. 37 of 2015) outlines your rights for public holidays:

• Compensation: Working on an official holiday entitles you to double pay (200% of your daily wage) plus a compensatory day off.
• KRI Variations: The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) may announce additional days for regional events, such as the Uprising Anniversary (March 5).

Frequently Asked Questions

1) When is the next long weekend in Iraq?

In 2026, the best long weekend is in March (March 20–23) due to the overlap of Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz.

2) Is Sunday a business day in Iraq?

Yes. The Iraqi workweek is Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the official weekend.

3) How are religious holiday dates confirmed?

Islamic holidays depend on the lunar calendar. Official confirmation usually comes 24 hours before the holiday via the Sistani Office in Najaf or the Sunni Endowment in Baghdad.

4) Do private sector employees get the same holidays as the public sector?

While the government sets national holidays, private companies sometimes limit breaks to the first two days of Eid. However, they must comply with the 200% holiday pay rule.