Circle May 26, 2026, on your calendar. That’s when Arafat Day happens this year, and Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The UAE Cabinet has approved a public holiday from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29, and with the weekend, many residents can expect a six-day break.
What makes 2026 special? Eid falls on Wednesday, so the holiday starts right after Arafat Day and leads into a long weekend. That gives everyone more time for prayers, family gatherings, desert adventures, and short getaways
Based on astronomical projections, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on May 18, 2026. As always, final confirmation will depend on official moon sightings in the UAE.
If you’re planning to attend Eid prayers, here’s when they start:
| City / Area | Prayer Time |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 5:57 am |
| Dubai | 5:52 am |
| Umm Al Quwain | 5:50 am |
| Sharjah | 5:51 am |
| Al Ain | 5:51 am |
| Ajman | 5:51 am |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 5:48 am |
| Fujairah | 5:48 am |
| Zayed City | 6:02 am |
| Al Dhafra | 6:02 am |
| Khorfakkan | 5:48 am |
What’s Eid al-Adha All About?
Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the unwavering devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son in complete obedience to Allah. At the last moment, Allah replaced his son with a ram, symbolizing faith, submission, and divine mercy. The festival also coincides with the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, uniting Muslims worldwide in prayer, charity, and sacrifice.
During Eid, people typically:
- Attend morning Eid prayers (Salat al-Eid), performed in congregation after sunrise
- Perform Qurbani (sacrifice of livestock), with meat divided equally between family, relatives, and the needy
- Fast on the Day of Arafah (May 26) — highly recommended for those not on Hajj, as it expiates sins of the previous and coming year
- Recite Takbeer (“Allahu Akbar”) from the start of Dhul Hijjah through the 13th Dhul Hijjah
- Wear new clothes, give gifts, and visit family and friends
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered especially virtuous, so increasing worship, charity, and remembrance of Allah during this period is encouraged even before Eid arrives.
How Dubai Celebrates Eid
Walk around Dubai during Eid, and you’ll see the city totally transformed ! Streets have colorful lights, malls are packed with shoppers finding deals, and there’s a happy buzz everywhere. Even the big buildings get special lighting for the holiday.
Top 10 Activities for Eid
Here are some popular ways to experience the desert during the Eid holiday..
1. Dune Bashing
Hold on tight! Your driver will take you up and down sand dunes in a 4x4. It feels like a roller coaster but on sand. You’ll scream, laugh, and probably get a little sand in your shoes!
2. Quad Biking
Drive your own 4-wheel bike across the dunes. It’s pretty easy to learn, and nothing beats the feeling of powering over sand hills by yourself. Just don’t go too fast on your first try!
3. Desert Photos
The desert looks magical around sunset when the sand turns golden and orange. Bring your phone or camera and take tons of pictures - they’ll make your friends jealous back home!
4. Henna Designs
Ladies, this one’s popular! Sit back while artists paint beautiful designs on your hands or feet using henna paste. The designs last about a week and look amazing in photos.
5. Sandboarding
It’s like snowboarding but on sand! Strap a board to your feet, stand at the top of a dune, and slide down. Don’t worry if you fall - sand is much softer than snow!
6. Camel Riding
These gentle giants give you a slow, swaying ride across the desert. It’s how people traveled for hundreds of years! The view from up there is great, but getting on and off can be tricky - hold on when the camel stands up!
7. Evening Shows
After dark, the camps come alive! Watch dancers spinning in colorful outfits, belly dancers with amazing moves, and brave performers playing with fire. The shows usually happen while you’re eating dinner.
8. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Early birds, this one’s for you! Wake up before sunrise to float peacefully above the desert. From up there, you can see endless sand dunes and maybe some desert animals. Bring a sweater - it’s cool in the morning!
9. Arabic Feast
You’ll be hungry after all those activities! Sit on cushions around low tables and enjoy grilled meats, hummus, salads, bread, and sweet desserts. There’s usually enough food to feed you twice over!
10. Overnight Camping
Why rush back to the city? Sleep in a tent under more stars than you’ve ever seen. The camps have proper beds, bathrooms, and sometimes even air conditioning. Wake up to a quiet desert sunrise - it’s worth staying for.
Best Eid Meals in Dubai
All that adventure is sure to work up an appetite! Let’s see where you can enjoy special Eid meals…
- DOORS Dubai: Known for its terrace dining and curated festive menus, DOORS offers a 17-course set menu with personal butler service, ideal for a slow, celebratory Eid meal with panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.
- MiMi Mei Fair, The Address Downtown: A three-course Chinese menu celebrating Empress MiMi’s culinary journey, priced at Dhs248 per person.
- Atlantis Gastronomy: Offers an extensive buffet with live cooking stations, perfect for families and friends, priced at Dhs385 per person.
- Sushi Samba, Palm Jumeirah: Combines Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavors with stunning views, suitable for intimate or group celebrations.
- Al Diwan Tent, Burj Al Arab: Luxurious buffet featuring Arabic and international dishes, live oud and tabla music, Dhs360 per person.
- Giardino, Palazzo Versace: Lavish indoor and outdoor buffet with international and regional favorites, Dhs263 per person.
- Ariana’s Persian Kitchen: Authentic Iranian cuisine with mezze, mixed grill, and saffron rice, set menu from Dhs390 per person.
Staycation Ideas
Dubai has many popular 5-star hotels for an ultimate luxury stay. It also offers many short term rental programmes to its visitors. Here are some common examples where you can stay during Eid days.
| Hotel/Resort | Offer/Highlight |
|---|---|
| Rove Hotels | Affordable stays from Dh199 per night across UAE; room-only includes breakfast, or upgrade to half board. Valid May 25 to 31, 2026. |
| InterContinental Abu Dhabi | One-night family staycation with all-inclusive dining, Bayshore Beach Club access, and kids stay free. |
| Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa | Desert escape from Dh1,000 including meals, 20% off dining/spa, and free archery/FlowRider sessions. Kids under 12 eat free. |
| The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort | Luxury beach stay with breakfast or half-board, early check-in, late checkout, and resort savings. |
| Voco Bonnington Dubai | City stay from AED 250+, including beach club access, potential room upgrade, and flexible check-in/out. |
| Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island | Family stay package with breakfast and access to Yas Island theme parks. |
| Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers | Rates from AED 300+, second room at 50% off, and complimentary beach club access. |
| Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri | Scenic stay with private beach, infinity pool, 25% off dining, and abra rides. |
| Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai | Apartment-style stay near Burj Khalifa from AED 450 per night with skyline views. |
| Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri | Value waterfront option with breakfast, dining savings, and flexible check-in/out times. |
| Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road | Central stay with room upgrade, half-board dining, 15-minute massage, late checkout, and 25% off dining. |
| JA Beach Hotel | Beach-and-sports stay including one experience like a spa massage, tennis, or kayaking. |
Whether you want a beach day that turns into a stay, a desert reset, or just an excuse to not cook for a few days, this year’s Eid deals make it very easy to get out of your routine without leaving the UAE.
The only real decision? Pool, dunes, or city views. Everything else is pretty much taken care of.
Family Fun Spots
Dubai Parks and Resorts has Motiongate Dubai, Real Madrid World, and Legoland Dubai all in one place. Rides, games, shows, and nightly laser displays with fireworks at 9:30pm.
Wild Wadi Waterpark has over 30 water slides and pools. The Jumeirah Sceirah slide is super fast! Between rides, watch dancers, listen to DJs, see bubble shows, and meet characters. Adults pay from Dh199, kids from Dh179.
The Green Planet Dubai feels like a real rainforest with over 3,000 plants and animals inside. For Eid, they’ll have free henna, face painting, music, movies, and animal encounters. Entry starts at Dh129.
Middle East Destinations for Eid
If you’re thinking about using that 4-day weekend to explore beyond Dubai, here are some nearby options worth considering.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh goes all out for Eid with events at Boulevard World, Boulevard City, Wadi Al Reem Festival, and The Zone. It’s a mix of old traditions and new celebrations in a city that’s changing fast.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Just down the road from Dubai, Abu Dhabi offers both religious and fun activities. Join prayers at the huge Sheikh Zayed Mosque, then head to Yas Bay Waterfront, Disney Jr. Live shows, or cool museums. Great for families!
Doha, Qatar
Doha mixes old and new during Eid. Check out the Eid Al-Adha Trade Fair, special events at Doha Festival City, Lego Shows, and cultural activities at Katara Village. Don’t miss the Old Port area.
Muscat, Oman
Want a more laid-back Eid? Muscat keeps things traditional. Visit Sultan Qaboos Mosque, shop at Muttrah Souq, explore old forts, and take sunset walks by the water. Day trips to Nizwa show you even more Omani culture.
Salalah, Oman
Beat the heat in Salalah! It’s cooler than other Gulf cities in summer. Enjoy beach celebrations, shop for frankincense, and explore green valleys with streams and waterfalls - yes, in the Middle East!
Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
This new tourist spot offers Eid celebrations among ancient rock formations. Explore the old mud-brick town, see shows at the mirror-covered Maraya Concert Hall, or join festival events under the stars.
International Holiday Ideas
Ready to use that time off for something more adventurous? Here are some international options if you’re thinking bigger.
New York City, USA
The Big Apple never sleeps! Climb the Empire State Building, walk through Central Park, cross Brooklyn Bridge, and visit Lady Liberty. With so many Muslims in NYC, you’ll find halal food and maybe even Eid prayers.
Tokyo, Japan
Experience the mix of super-modern and ancient in Tokyo. Visit the Imperial Palace, eat fresh fish at Tsukiji Market, find peace in city parks, and discover old temples. It’s completely different from a typical Eid - in a good way!
Athens, Greece
Walk where ancient Greeks once did, then cool off at the beach! See the Acropolis, amazing museums, and still have time to swim in the Mediterranean. It’s a short flight from the UAE but feels worlds apart.
Maldives
Treat yourself to paradise! Stay in those famous over-water bungalows, swim with whale sharks, snorkel coral reefs, or just relax on perfect beaches. The Maldives is Muslim-friendly and absolutely beautiful.
No-Visa Destinations for UAE Citizens
If you have a UAE passport, you’ve got even more options for easy travel! Here are places you can visit without the hassle of getting a visa.
- Sri Lanka packs so much into one small island. See mountains in Ella, colonial buildings in Galle, climb the ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya, surf at Hikkaduwa, or spot leopards in Yala National Park.
- Armenia surprises visitors with mountains and history. Explore Yerevan’s cafes, relax by Lake Sevan, enjoy “Armenian Switzerland” in Dilijan, or visit old churches. Just a short flight away!
- Jordan takes you through Bible history. Wander through Amman, see the incredible ancient city of Petra, swim in the Red Sea at Aqaba, float in the Dead Sea, or camp in the desert at Wadi Rum.
- Want a classic Europe experience in Asia? Head to Georgia. Enjoy Tbilisi’s charming old town, Black Sea beaches in Batumi, ancient churches in Kutaisi, or healing mineral waters in Borjomi.
- Another best Eid celebration destination is Morocco. Get lost in Marrakech’s markets, learn in ancient Fes, take photos in the blue city of Chefchaouen, or relax by the sea in Essaouira.
- Malaysia feels familiar yet exotic. See Kuala Lumpur’s tall towers, relax on Langkawi’s beaches, enjoy cool mountain towns in the Highlands. Halal food and mosques everywhere make it easy for Muslim travelers.
- Indonesia celebrates Eid in a big way as the world’s largest Muslim country. Experience Bali’s beauty, ancient temples near Yogyakarta, perfect beaches on the Gili Islands, or see real Komodo dragons!
Travel Tips for Eid
Book Early
Eid means high prices! Book flights and hotels 2-3 months ahead to get good deals. Consider travel insurance for trips abroad, and double-check visa rules - they change sometimes!
Desert Safari Advice
Book desert trips weeks ahead - they sell out fast during Eid! Wear light clothes for day activities but bring a jacket for cool desert nights. Drink lots of water, use sunscreen, and respect local customs.
International Travel Help
Make sure your passport won’t expire within 6 months of your trip. Download maps and translation apps before leaving. Tell your bank where you’re going so your cards keep working. Pack for your destination’s weather, not Dubai’s! Get to the airport extra early - Eid means crowds.
Cultural Tips
Learn about how Eid works in your destination - it’s different everywhere! Dress modestly at religious places (cover shoulders and knees). Respect prayer times when shops might close briefly. Small gifts are nice if visiting local families during Eid.
Wrapping Up
Eid al-Adha 2026 gives you four whole days to make memories - whether you’re screaming on a dune bashing ride, relaxing at a beach resort, or exploring a new city.
With a bit of planning using these tips, you’re all set for an amazing Eid break. Remember that Eid is about both spiritual meaning and having fun with people you care about.
Wherever you end up for Eid al-Adha 2026, take time to enjoy special moments and create stories you’ll tell for years to come.
Eid Mubarak !
