All eyes are on the evening of May 17. That is the night astronomers expect the crescent moon to appear, officially confirming the start of Dhul Hijjah and locking in the Eid Al Adha 2026 UAE dates for the entire country. Once the UAE Moon Sighting Committee gives its ruling, residents will have four paid public holidays, six total days off when the weekend is included, and one of the most spiritually significant weeks on the Islamic calendar to look forward to.
When Is Eid Al Adha 2026 in the UAE?
The crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, is forecast to be born on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at exactly 12:01 AM UAE time. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, has stated that the moon is expected to set approximately 58 minutes after sunset that same evening, sitting at about 10 degrees above the horizon. Astronomers consider these conditions highly favorable for an official sighting.
If the crescent is confirmed on May 17, Dhul Hijjah will officially begin on Monday, May 18, placing Arafat Day on Tuesday, May 26, and Eid Al Adha from Wednesday, May 27.
Professor Hamid Al Naimiy, Director of the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub at the University of Sharjah, has also forecast May 27 as the start of Eid Al Adha. His team’s calculations have already been submitted to the UAE Fatwa Council to support its moon-sighting process. The final declaration rests with the UAE Moon Sighting Committee, with an official announcement expected in mid-May.
What Eid Al Adha Actually Commemorates
Eid Al Adha is one of the two major Islamic festivals observed worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, to sacrifice his son in full obedience to God, a test that concluded when a ram was miraculously provided in his place. The occasion also marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, the fifth pillar of Islam and an obligation for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it at least once.
In 2026, Hajj is expected to start around May 25, corresponding to the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, with the main rituals anticipated to wrap up around May 29 to 30, subject to official confirmation.
The Significance of Arafat Day
Arafat Day, observed on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah and one day ahead of Eid, is the most spiritually charged day of the Hajj pilgrimage. Millions of pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat and the surrounding plain in Makkah — the site where the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, delivered one of his most significant final sermons.
For Muslims not performing Hajj, Arafat Day holds profound significance in its own right. Fasting on this day is strongly encouraged as an act of worship. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that fasting on the Day of Arafat expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year. Most Muslims spend the day in additional prayer, Quran recitation, and sincere supplication for themselves, their families, and the wider Muslim community.
In the UAE, Arafat Day is an official public holiday for both the public and private sectors.
UAE Public Holiday Dates for Eid Al Adha 2026
Under UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, residents in both sectors receive four paid public holidays:
- Tuesday, May 26 — Arafat Day (one-day public holiday)
- Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29 — Eid Al Adha (three-day public holiday)
When paired with Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, the total runs to six consecutive days off with no annual leave required. All dates remain subject to official moon-sighting confirmation.
The forecast is solid, the astronomy is clear, and the dates are already taking shape. Once the UAE Moon Sighting Committee confirms the crescent on the evening of May 17, Eid Al Adha 2026 UAE residents will have everything locked in. Keep an eye on official government channels for the final declaration.
Cover Image: AI-Generated for Illustration Purposes
