Astronomers in Sharjah have revealed the likely date for Eid Al Adha 2026 in the UAE, based on astronomical calculations. According to the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, affiliated with the University of Sharjah, the first day of Eid Al Adha is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
These dates remain subject to official confirmation following the crescent moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah, which is scheduled for May 17.
The first day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, is expected to fall on Monday, May 18, 2026. Arafah Day, the most significant day of the Hajj pilgrimage, falls on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah and is expected on Tuesday, May 26. Eid Al Adha, observed on the tenth of Dhul Hijjah, follows on Wednesday, May 27.
Professor Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi, Director of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, said the institution has provided these scientific calculations to the UAE Council for Fatwa to support its moon sighting efforts and religious decisions. The academy noted that the official announcement of the start of Hijri months and religious occasions remains the responsibility of the country’s competent religious authorities.
Arafah Day and Dhul Hijjah: Expected Dates for UAE
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, also confirmed the same expected dates based on astronomical data.
Eid Al Adha holds deep religious significance in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The occasion also coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage season, during which millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. In 2026, Hajj is expected to begin around May 25, corresponding to the eighth of Dhul Hijjah, with the main rituals anticipated to conclude around May 29 to 30, subject to moon sighting confirmation.
On Arafah Day, pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat near Makkah in prayer and supplication. For Muslims not performing Hajj, the day carries significant spiritual weight. Fasting on Arafah Day is observed by many Muslims worldwide.
Eid Al Adha 2026 UAE Public Holiday: Six-Day Break Confirmed
The UAE Cabinet has officially approved four days of public holiday for Eid Al Adha 2026. Arafah Day on Tuesday, May 26 is a public holiday, followed by three days of Eid from Wednesday, May 27 to Friday, May 29. Combined with the weekend on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, residents can expect a six-day break.
Residents who take one day of annual leave on Monday, May 25 could stretch the break to nine consecutive days off, running from Saturday, May 23 through Sunday, May 31.
As per UAE public holiday law introduced in January 2025, some public holidays may be carried over to a weekday if they fall on a weekend. However, this rule does not apply to either Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha.
All dates remain subject to the official crescent moon sighting announcement by UAE religious authorities.
