Eid Al Adha 2026 in the UAE: Dates, the Long Weekend & What to Do
- Angel In Dubai
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Eid Al Adha is here — and with it, one of the best long weekends of the year. The dates are confirmed, the city slows down in the loveliest way, and you've got a real chance to either escape or enjoy Dubai at its calmest. Eid Mubarak from me — here's everything you need to plan it.
The confirmed dates
Arafat Day falls on Tuesday 26 May, with Eid Al Adha on Wednesday 27, Thursday 28 and Friday 29 May 2026.
How long is your break?
Public sector: off Mon 25 – Fri 29 May, which lands as a nine-day break with the weekends.
Private sector: Tue 26 – Fri 29 May (four paid days) — a six-day break through Sun 31 May.
Schools: Mon 25 – Fri 29 May, back Mon 1 June — a nine-day break.
Take just Monday 25 May as leave and the weekend either side stretches it into a full nine-day escape — 23 to 31 May.
What to do over the break
Staying in town? This is peak staycation season — pools, beach clubs and blissfully quiet weekday malls. For a classic day trip, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (map · website) in Abu Dhabi is breathtaking and free to visit (dress modestly). Closer to home, The Dubai Mall (map · website) and the beaches stay busy but festive.
Whatever you choose, book restaurants and staycations early — half the country has the same long weekend in mind.
Angel's quick picks
Best escape — a beach or desert staycation
Best day trip — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (map)
Best with family — malls & aquariums (see my summer indoor guide)
Dates per Gulf News, Time Out Dubai and the UAE's MOHRE circular — always confirm your days off with your employer. Photos: David Rodrigo & Tobias Fischer via Unsplash.
Need plans for the break? Here's this weekend in Dubai and my summer indoor guide. Eid Mubarak — and brands, let's work together.
Cover photo: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi — Mahmood Al Daoud via Unsplash. Last updated: 25 May 2026.
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