Eid al Adha 2026, one of the most sacred Islamic festivals, is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with the main day of celebration falling on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The festival is observed over several days and is closely linked to the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar Hijri system, the exact dates depend on the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon and may vary slightly by country.
Eid al-Adha 2026: Key Expected Dates
| Occasion | Expected Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Day of Arafah | Tuesday, May 26 |
| Eid al-Adha (Day 1) | Wednesday, May 27 |
| Eid al-Adha Ends | Saturday, May 30 |
| Total Public Holiday (UAE – predicted) | May 26–29 |
When combined with the weekend, UAE residents could enjoy a six-day long break.
Eid al-Adha 2026 Public Holidays in the UAE
In the UAE, Eid holidays form the longest and most important public breaks of the year. Under UAE public holiday law, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr cannot be shifted to create artificial long weekends — meaning the holidays are observed strictly according to the Hijri calendar.
Predicted UAE Eid al-Adha Break (2026)
- Arafat Day: Tuesday, May 26
- Eid al-Adha: Wednesday, May 27
- Additional Eid days: May 28 & May 29
- Weekend: May 30–31
Potential six-day break for public and private sectors, subject to official confirmation.
Regional Observance Differences
Eid al-Adha dates may differ slightly depending on moon sightings:
- Saudi Arabia & UAE: Expected to observe Eid on Wednesday, May 27
- UK & North America: Most communities follow Saudi moon sighting
- India & Pakistan: Eid may fall on Thursday, May 28, based on local moon sighting
Religious Significance of Eid al-Adha
Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
Key Traditions
- Eid Prayer: Performed in congregation after sunrise
- Qurbani: Ritual animal sacrifice with meat distributed among family, friends, and the needy
- Charity & Sharing: Emphasis on generosity and community welfare
- Family Gatherings: Festive meals, new clothes, and gift-giving (Eidi)
Eid al-Fitr 2026: Predicted Dates
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal.
- Expected Start: Friday, March 20, 2026
- Public Holiday (UAE – predicted): March 20–22
- Break Type: Three-day long weekend
Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) 2026
Eid Al Etihad is celebrated exclusively in the UAE and follows the Gregorian calendar.
| Occasion | Date |
|---|---|
| UAE National Day | Wednesday, December 2 |
| National Day Holiday | December 2–3 |
An extended weekend is unlikely, though remote work for government employees remains a possibility.
Why Eid Dates Are Predicted, Not Fixed
Unlike Gregorian holidays, Islamic festivals:
- Follow the Hijri lunar calendar
- Shift 10–11 days earlier every year
- Depend on official moon sighting announcements
Final holiday confirmations are typically issued closer to the event by UAE authorities.
Upcoming Eid al-Adha Dates (Future Years)
| Year | Eid al-Adha (Expected) |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday, May 27 |
| 2027 | Monday, May 17 |
| 2028 | Friday, May 5 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, April 24 |
| 2030 | Sunday, April 14 |
Where & How to Celebrate Eid al-Adha 2026 (Global Guide)
| Region / Country | Where to Celebrate | How to Celebrate |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Mosques (e.g., Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Jumeirah Mosque), Community Centers, Home | Attend Eid prayer, perform Qurbani, share meals, family gatherings, charity giving |
| Saudi Arabia (Makkah & Medina) | Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), Prophet’s Mosque, Local Prayer Grounds | Eid prayer, visit family/friends, perform Qurbani, support charity, Hajj rituals |
| United Kingdom | Local Mosque Grounds, Community Halls, Parks | Join Eid congregational prayer, community feasts, cultural events, charity drives |
| North America (USA & Canada) | Islamic Centers, Community Parks, Convention Centers | Large Eid gatherings, prayer services, halal community meals, kid-friendly events |
| India & Pakistan | Local Eid Grounds, City Mosques, Open Fields | Morning Eid prayers, Qurbani with relatives and neighbors, distribute meat to needy |
| Malaysia & Indonesia | National Mosques (e.g., Istiqlal Jakarta, National Mosque KL) | Family visits, traditional dishes (ketupat, rendang), mosque prayers, community events |
| Turkey | Mosque Courtyards, City Squares | Eid prayers, visit elders, share sweets, charitable meat distribution |
| Egypt | Local Mosques, Village Squares | Eid prayer, Qurbani ceremonies, family feasts, community charity |
| Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa) | Central Eid Grounds, Regional Mosques | Early morning prayers, shared meals, charity outreach, cultural celebrations |
| Europe (France, Germany, Spain) | Eid Prayer Zones, Cultural Centers | Community prayer, family brunch, halal bazaars, charity collections |
| Australia & New Zealand | Islamic Prayer Halls, Community Parks | Eid prayer, picnics, cultural programs, sharing food with community |
How to Celebrate Eid al-Adha Meaningfully
Here’s a simple way to make your Eid celebration spiritual, joyful, and community-oriented:
1. Attend Eid Prayer
The day begins with a special congregational prayer at a mosque or open Eid ground.
2. Perform Qurbani (Sacrifice)
Symbolic of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion — the meat is shared with:
- Family
- Friends
- Needy people in your community
3. Enjoy Festive Meals
Traditional dishes vary by region — from biryani and kebabs to festive sweets.
4. Give Charity (Sadaqah)
Helping the underprivileged strengthens community bond and reflects the festival’s spirit.
5. Dress in New or Traditional Clothes
Families often wear their finest attire to celebrate together.
6. Celebrate with Family and Friends
Exchange greetings (“Eid Mubarak”), share meals, and create memories.
FAQs
When is Eid al-Adha 2026 expected to be celebrated?
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, May 26, with the main day of celebration falling on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, subject to the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon.
Why does the Eid al-Adha date change every year?
Eid al-Adha follows the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar, which is around 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. This causes the festival to shift earlier each year.
Will Eid al-Adha 2026 be a public holiday in the UAE?
Yes. Eid al-Adha is an official public holiday in the UAE for both public and private sector employees. Final dates will be officially confirmed closer to the holiday.
How many days off can UAE residents expect for Eid al-Adha 2026?
If predictions are accurate, UAE residents may receive four official holidays from May 26 to May 29, potentially extending to a six-day break when combined with the weekend.
What is Arafat Day and when is it in 2026?
Arafat Day is observed one day before Eid al-Adha and marks the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage. In 2026, it is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26.
Why is Eid al-Adha important in Islam?
Eid al-Adha commemorates the faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his willingness to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah. The festival also coincides with the completion of Hajj.
What is Qurbani and who performs it?
Qurbani is the ritual sacrifice of an animal such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. It is performed by Muslims who are financially able, and the meat is shared with family, friends, and the needy.
Can Eid al-Adha be celebrated on different days in different countries?
Yes. Eid dates may vary by country depending on local moon sightings. Regions such as India and Pakistan may observe Eid one day later than Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
How is Eid al-Adha usually celebrated?
Celebrations include early morning Eid prayers, performing Qurbani, giving charity, enjoying festive meals, wearing new or traditional clothes, and spending time with family and friends.
What greeting is commonly used during Eid al-Adha?
The most common greeting is “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Eid.”
Is Eid al-Adha the same as Eid al-Fitr?
No. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha commemorates sacrifice and is linked to the Hajj pilgrimage. Both are major Islamic festivals with different meanings.
Can non-Muslims take part in Eid celebrations?
Yes. In many countries, including the UAE, Eid al-Adha is celebrated culturally, and non-Muslims are welcome to participate in public events, meals, and community festivities.
How many days are left until Eid al-Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha 2026 falls on Wednesday, May 27, which is day 147 of the year, with approximately four months and eleven days remaining from the start of 2026.
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