Eid al-Adha bank transfers to be supported as UAE Central Bank keeps payments system running
Authorities confirm Central Bank will keep local transfer system active during Eid al-Adha to ensure uninterrupted transactions for customers.
The Central Bank of the UAE has directed banks across the country to facilitate customer transfers during the Eid al-Adha holiday, instructing that the centralised local transfer system remain operational throughout the break. The move is intended to ensure that retail and corporate customers can complete urgent transfers and payments despite the multi-day public holiday. Banks and payment providers were also told that other clearing functions would resume when branches reopen on May 30, 2026.
Central Bank maintains local transfer system during Eid holiday
The Central Bank said keeping the local transfer system active follows an assessment conducted jointly with the UAE Banks Federation and technical committees. This decision seeks to reduce disruption for customers who rely on bank transfers for payrolls, supplier payments and personal remittances during the festive period. The centralised arrangement applies to domestic electronic transfers handled by the Central Bank’s payments infrastructure.
Officials noted that the continuous operation of this payments channel is designed to address predictable spikes in transfers and withdrawals that typically accompany religious holidays. By keeping the transfer platform running, regulators aim to limit delays that can affect businesses and households during Eid al-Adha.
Clearing, direct debit and branch operations to resume May 30, 2026
Not all systems will operate during the holiday: direct debit processes and cheque clearing will be processed once normal banking hours resume on May 30, 2026. The Central Bank clarified that these services require in-branch and back-office processing that will return with staff and branch operations following the official holiday period. Customers with scheduled direct debits or cheque transactions are advised to monitor their accounts for processing updates around that date.
Banks have been instructed to coordinate the timing of these services to minimise any knock-on effects to liquidity or account balances. The Central Bank and banks will monitor processing queues closely when full services restart to ensure a smooth transition back to standard operations.
Banks step up digital and operational readiness
Across the UAE, retail and commercial banks intensified preparations ahead of the Eid holiday to guarantee continuity of online and mobile banking platforms. Institutions reported reinforcing digital platforms, scaling capacity for internet banking and mobile apps, and ensuring ATMs remain stocked with sufficient cash in commercial and residential zones. These steps reflect years of investment in digital financial infrastructure and contingency planning.
Banks also bolstered technical support and contact centre staffing to respond to customer enquiries around the clock. This included pre-emptive testing of load capacity, failover arrangements and cybersecurity monitoring to reduce the risk of outages or fraud during the holiday surge.
Coordination with UAE Banks Federation and sector committees
The Central Bank’s guidance followed consultations with the UAE Banks Federation and specialised committees charged with operational continuity. This coordination seeks to harmonise responses across national and foreign banks operating in the Emirates, ensuring consistent service levels for customers regardless of their bank. The federation’s role in exchanging best practices and aligning contingency plans was highlighted as central to the approach.
Regulators and industry bodies will remain in close contact during the holiday to oversee system performance and to provide timely guidance if any technical issues arise. This cross-institution cooperation is intended to preserve confidence in the financial system during periods of heightened transaction activity.
Customer guidance: use digital channels and ATMs where possible
Banks urged customers to make use of digital channels to complete routine transactions such as transfers, bill payments and card management during Eid al-Adha. Customers were reminded to verify beneficiary details and available balances before initiating transfers and to schedule non-urgent direct debits for processing after May 30, 2026. Institutions also advised customers to plan cash needs in advance and to use ATMs distributed across the country if they require physical cash.
Customer service centres and hotlines were publicised by several banks to assist with urgent issues, and technical support teams were placed on standby to handle any service interruptions. Consumers were encouraged to report suspected fraud or unauthorised transactions immediately through their bank’s secure channels.
Financial infrastructure tested for holiday surge
The decision to keep the local transfer system active during Eid al-Adha reflects confidence in the UAE’s payment infrastructure and its ability to handle seasonal spikes in demand. Authorities said ongoing investments in digital payments, real-time settlement systems and back-up arrangements have strengthened the resilience of the financial network. The Central Bank will monitor volumes and system health indicators throughout the holiday and publish any necessary updates.
Seasonal increases in consumer spending, remittances and business payments make holidays a critical period for financial operations. The proactive measures announced this week are intended to minimise friction, protect liquidity, and ensure that households and businesses can access essential financial services without interruption.
The Central Bank’s instruction, combined with coordinated bank readiness and public guidance, aims to deliver a seamless experience for customers conducting Eid al-Adha bank transfers and other transactions during the holiday.
