Eid al-Fitr vs Eid al-Adha 2026: Dates, Traditions, Long Weekends

Confirmed 2026 Dates and Public Holidays

The UAE Cabinet announces official Eid dates each year through the Moon Sighting Committee. For 2026, Eid al-Fitr is expected on 20 March and Eid al-Adha on 28 May. Both occasions grant four-day public holidays for most employees. Private sector workers receive the days announced by MOHRE, while federal government staff follow ICP guidelines. Check your employer portal in early 2026 for the final roster.

Eid al-Fitr: Breaking the Fast

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Families start the day with special prayers at mosques and open grounds across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Children receive new clothes and small cash gifts called Eidi. Expat households often host open-house breakfasts featuring dates, Arabic coffee and sweets like maamoul. Malls run limited-hour sales from 10am, and many beach clubs offer family brunches from AED 250 per adult.

Eid al-Adha: Sacrifice and Sharing

Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice. The morning prayer is followed by the ritual slaughter of sheep or goats. Meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and one for those in need. In the UAE, approved slaughterhouses in industrial areas handle the process for a fee of roughly AED 900-1,200 per animal. Many residents donate the full share through registered charities to avoid home logistics.

Long Weekends and Travel Plans

Both Eids create four-day breaks. For Eid al-Fitr 2026, the weekend plus two extra days gives many expats six consecutive days off if they add annual leave. Popular short trips include Oman border drives or stays in Ras Al Khaimah mountain resorts. During Eid al-Adha the same pattern occurs, though summer heat pushes travellers toward indoor attractions or cooled hotel pools. Book RTA Salik-tagged taxis early, as demand spikes.

What Expats Should Know

Plan grocery runs before the holidays; supermarkets close on the first day and reopen with reduced hours. Alcohol licences remain valid but on-premise venues stop service from midnight before Eid day. If you need visa stamping or medical tests, note that ICP and DHA centres operate on reduced schedules. Set calendar reminders for the exact moon-sighting announcement usually released 29 days after Ramadan starts.

Respecting Local Customs

Dress modestly at prayer grounds and avoid photography of worshippers without permission. When visiting Emirati colleagues, bring sweets or Arabic coffee. Tipping delivery drivers extra during Eid week is appreciated, especially those working through the holiday period. Remember traffic curfews near mosques during peak prayer times.

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