Dubai residents can officially plan ahead. The UAE government has confirmed the holiday structure for Eid Al Fitr 2026, officially clarifying the Eid Al Fitr 2026 dates in Dubai, while the expected dates for Eid Al Adha 2026 are also based on astronomical calculations.
Here is everything you need to know, including exact dates, public and private sector holidays, and expected prayer timings in Dubai.
Eid Al Fitr 2026 in Dubai
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar. In 2026, astronomical forecasts indicate that Eid is expected to fall on Friday, 20 March 2026, subject to confirmation by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee.
Confirmed UAE Holiday Dates
The UAE government has announced that the Eid Al Fitr holiday will begin on Thursday, 19 March 2026. For the public sector, the break runs from 19 March to 22 March 2026, with work resuming on Monday, 23 March. Private sector employees will be off from 19 March to 21 March, with the holiday extending to 22 March if Ramadan completes 30 days.
Because the UAE weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday, most residents will enjoy a four-day break from 19 to 22 March 2026, returning to work on Monday, 23 March.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2026?
Astronomical forecasts indicate Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on Friday, 20 March 2026, subject to confirmation by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee.
Eid 2026 Prayer Timings in Dubai
Eid prayers are held shortly after sunrise. In Dubai, prayer is typically scheduled between 6:00am and 6:30am, depending on the mosque and the time of sunrise.
Large congregations are expected at major mosques, including Jumeirah Mosque, Grand Mosque and Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque. Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department will release the final confirmed prayer timings closer to the date.
Dubai’s Islamic Affairs department will release the final confirmed prayer timings closer to the date. Worshippers are encouraged to arrive early, bring their own prayer mats, and ensure Zakat Al Fitr is paid before the Eid prayer.
Eid Al Adha 2026 in Dubai
Eid Al Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, falls on 10 Dhul Hijjah and follows the Day of Arafah.
Expected Dates
Based on astronomical projections:
- Day of Arafah: Tuesday, 26 May 2026
- Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Final confirmation will depend on moon sighting.
UAE Eid Al Adha Holiday 2026
Under the UAE public holiday law, the Eid Al Adha break includes the Day of Arafah, followed by three days of Eid. In 2026, this is expected to run from Tuesday, 26 May to Friday, 29 May.
This means the official holiday is expected to run from Tuesday, 26 May to Friday, 29 May 2026.
When combined with the weekend of 30 and 31 May, residents could enjoy up to six consecutive days off, making it one of the longest public holidays in the UAE in 2026.
Eid Al Adha Prayer Timings
As with Eid Al Fitr, prayers will take place shortly after sunrise at mosques and designated prayer grounds across Dubai.
What to Expect in Dubai During Eid
During both Eid holidays, government offices and most private companies close, while schools remain shut for the duration. Malls such as The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates extend operating hours. Fireworks, retail promotions, and family events take place across the city, while travel demand increases significantly as residents take advantage of the long weekend.
As both holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, official confirmation will be issued by the UAE authorities closer to the dates.
For now, residents can confidently plan for a four-day Eid Al Fitr break in March 2026 and a potential six-day Eid Al Adha holiday in May 2026.
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