Eid Al Adha dates in the UAE 2026 revealed
Wondering when is Eid Al Adha in the UAE?
Eid Al Adha is a time of reflection, prayer and joy, embodying Islam’s values of faith, obedience and generosity. The day begins with a special prayer service held in large congregations at mosques or open grounds, followed by a sermon. After the prayers, families and friends gather to celebrate, share meals and exchange gifts.
Disclaimer: The dates mentioned here are based on the official decision of the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee.
What is the Eid al Adha 2026 UAE date?
In the Islamic faith, Eid Al Adha is the second of the two grand Eid celebrations and is observed on Dhul Hijjah 10. The celebrations continue until Dhul Hijjah 12.
So, what is the Eid al Adha 2026 UAE date? Based on the official announcement by the Moon Sighting Committee, the 10th Dhul Hijjah will fall on Wednesday, May 27. The holiday break for the private sector will start on Tuesday, May 26, last until Friday, May 29, and is declared a UAE public holiday in 2026.
This means that individuals with a Saturday and Sunday weekend will have a four-day Eid Al Adha holidays in the UAE and a long weekend, with regular work resuming on Monday, June 1.
Federal government employees will get Eid holidays from Monday to Friday, which is May 25th to May 29th.
Eid Al Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is one of the most significant Islamic events. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. However, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. This event is detailed in the Islamic tradition and parallels the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac.
Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid Al Adha on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah – the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
When are the Eid Al Adha holidays in the UAE?
The second most-awaited public holiday in 2026 for the UAE has two major occasions: Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha. Arafah is observed on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah; in 2026, it will be Tuesday, May 26.
Residents will have the opportunity to experience a four-day Eid Al Adha public holiday in the UAE starting on Tuesday, May 26, until Friday, May 29.
On the other hand, government workers will be off from Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May, giving them a generous nine-day holiday.
Those who have a weekend on Saturday and Sunday will resume work on Monday, June 1.
Are Eid Al Adha dates confirmed in the UAE?
As the Islamic Calendar follows a lunar system, the dates must be verified on the Gregorian calendar (the conventional version of January to December) by observing the moon in a particular phase. The UAE Moon Sighting Committee has officially confirmed Eid Al Adha 2026 in the UAE dates at the start of the Islamic month.
How many days off for Eid al-Adha in the UAE? The UAE government has announced holidays from 9 to 12 Dhul Hijjah, May 26 to 29, 2026.
FAQs about Eid Al Adha and More
What is the Eid al-Adha festival?
As per customary Islamic practice, Eid Al Adha is celebrated to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah’s command to sacrifice his son. Prophet Ibrahim shared his dream with his son, who, in turn, encouraged his father to carry out the task. However, the Almighty intervened and sent a ram to replace his son.
When does Eid Al Adha end in the UAE?
The Eid celebration dates in the UAE typically include a short break for both the public and private sectors from 9 to 12 Dhul Hijjah. Similar to other Islamic festivals, the dates were determined by moon sighting.
How are Eid Al Adha dates announced?
Islamic festivals are determined by the sighting of the crescent, with their dates calculated according to the Hijri calendar months. The Eid Al Adha 2026 holiday coincides with one of Islam’s most sacred occasions: the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Residents will get a holiday on Arafah Day (one day off on 9 Dhul Hijjah) and the Eid Al Adha festival (three days off from 10 to 12 Dhul Hijjah). Depending on the moon’s sighting, most residents will enjoy a four-day break, including the weekend.
Those planning to go for Hajj can check out our guide on how to go for Hajj from Dubai to help you prepare every step of the way.
How can I spend the Eid al-Adha break?
The festival is a time for family gatherings, communal prayers and sharing festive meals. There are plenty of exciting things to do in Dubai on Eid Al Adha, like dining out and booking a staycation.
Those in the UAE capital can watch fireworks, enjoy a staycation or savour a delicious meal among fun things to do in Abu Dhabi on Eid Al Adha.
Looking for family-friendly Eid travel plans in the UAE? Why not ditch the usual and take a road trip instead? Explore the top destinations for road trips around the UAE and turn your holiday into an adventure.
That’s all we have regarding Eid Al Adha dates for 2026. To learn more about life in the UAE, subscribe to MyBayut!
