Eid ul Adha 2026 in the UAE: Day of Arafah

Eid ul Adha is one of the most meaningful and spiritually important occasions in Islam. In the UAE, including Dubai, this festival is observed with deep religious devotion, family gatherings, and public holidays. Eid ul Adha is closely connected with the annual Hajj pilgrimage and the Day of Arafah, making it a central part of the Islamic calendar.

Information about the meaning of Eid ul Adha and the Day of Arafah would also be helpful to the residents, tourists, and travelers who organize and plan their visit to the UAE during this time of the year and need to understand the culture and traditions of the local people. In this paper, the writer explains the Eid ul Adha 2026 in the UAE using simple language and understandable terms, the date to be expected, religious meaning of the day and how the day would be celebrated.

What Is Eid ul Adha and Why Is It Important?

The 10 th -12 th month of Islamic calendar is known as the Festival of Sacrifice or the Eid ul Adha. It also celebrates obedience, faith of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who had never flinched in sacrificing his son Ismail (AS) in the name of the will of Allah. The reward of their submission and sincerity was a ram instead of Ismail (AS) who was substituted by Allah.

The Eid ul Adha teaching is not just about killing animals. It emphasises on faith, toleration, self- sacrifice, and concern over others. Muslims are threatened not to be attached to anything in the world but to help those who are in need.

Expected Date of Eid ul Adha 2026 in the UAE

The Eid ul Adha in 2026 will be on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, unless the moon is sighted. The Islamic calendar must rely on lunar phases, so the specific date will be officially approved being nearer to date by lunar-gazers in UAE.

Eid ul adha is celebrated in the period of three days, 10 th -12 th of Dhul Hijjah. The public holidays in the UAE are usually prolonged to enable the residents and visitors to celebrate the event serenely and spend quality time with family.

What Is the Day of Arafah?

The Arafah day is celebrated on the 9 th of Dhul Hijjah, which is one day before Eid ul Adha. It will also be observed on Tuesday, 26 May, in 2026, once again, at least, as long as the moon is observed.

This is a special day to the Islamic faith. It is the day when pilgrims who are doing Hajj flock the plains of Arafat around Makkah. Being in Arafat is the most important aspect of Hajj and without this, the pilgrimage is still incomplete.

On that note, the Day of Arafah is a very special day of worship, fasting, and supplication especially to Muslims who are not engaged in Hajj.

Spiritual Importance of the Day of Arafah

Arafah Day is a day of the year that is considered to be blessed greatly. It is referred to as a day of mercy, forgiveness and acceptance of prayers. According to the teachings of Islam, Allah forgives abundantly on this day and to people who are earnest in finding it.

It is also the day when Islam was finalized as a religion which further gives it its strong historical and spiritual importance. This is a chance to make Muslims of the world reconsider their faith, rectify their actions, and reconnect with Allah.

You can also read: Eid ul Fitr 2026 in Dubai: Dates & Public Holidays

Fasting on the Day of Arafah

In place of Hajj, it is highly recommended that Muslims avoid eating on the day of Arafah. This is one of the Sunnah practices and has a lot of spiritual reward. It is supposed to eliminate sins of the past year and the year ahead.

Pilgrims who visit Hajj do not need to fast because they require power to complete rituals on the day which are physically demanding.

Eid ul Adha Traditions in the UAE

Eid ul Adha in the UAE is celebrated with moderation of religious piety and culture. Congregational Eid prayer starts the day and is conducted in the mosques and open prayer grounds around the country.

Muslims make Qurbani, the ritual slaughter of an animal, after the prayer as a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The meat is then given away to family, relatives and the less fortunate as a sign of being generous and socially responsible.

Families sit down to have meals together, meet and have time together. The public holidays are also utilized by many of the residents to travel within the UAE, go to desert areas, or spend time in resorts and heritage areas.

Understanding Qurbani (Sacrifice)

Qurbani is a mandatory section of Eid ul Adha among Muslims with the financial capability. The sacrifice is a sign of obedience to Allah and not actually the sacrifice.

The animals that are sacrificed during Qurbani should be within certain Islamic requirements when it comes to terms of age and health. The act strengthens empathy, appreciation, and equality since some of the meat is given to the needy.

Eid ul Adha and Travel in the UAE

Eid ul Adha is considered as one of the most hectic traveling seasons in the UAE. The holidays also entail a lot of short trips, family visits and leisure activities by many residents. The demand can also rise with popular destinations such as desert safari experience, cultural heritage sites and resorts.

The call is also a recommendation to tourists planning to visit the UAE during the Eid ul Adha period to book the hotels and activities ahead of time as it is likely to run out of supply due to the high demand.

Moon Sighting and Official Confirmation

Even though the date of Eid ul Adha and the day of Arafah is predicted using astronomical calculations, official confirmation is by sighting the moon. The authorities of the UAE announce the dates of the final shortly before the occasion.

Official announcements should be adhered to by the residents and visitors in order to verify the public holidays and prayer schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is Eid ul Adha 2026 in the UAE?
Eid ul Adha is expected to be on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, subject to moon sighting.

When is the Day of Arafah in 2026?
The Day of Arafah is expected on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, depending on lunar observation.

Is fasting compulsory on the Day of Arafah?
Fasting is not compulsory but highly recommended for Muslims who are not performing Hajj.

How long does Eid ul Adha last in the UAE?
Eid ul Adha lasts three days, with public holidays often extending depending on government announcements.

Why is Eid ul Adha important in Islam?
It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah and teaches values of sacrifice, faith, and generosity.