Eid Al Adha 2026 dates in the UAE will be officially confirmed after the Dubai moon sighting
There are two things UAE residents start checking around this time every year: the moon and the holiday calendar. Now, Dubai authorities have confirmed an official Eid Al Adha 2026 moon sighting event for May 17 – the moment that could confirm when Dhu Al Hijjah begins and when the Eid break officially starts in the UAE.
The moon sighting event will happen at Jebel Nazwa Trail
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) will organise the public crescent sighting event at Jebel Nazwa Trail on Saturday May 17. The event begins at 5pm and will continue after sunset until the moon sighting process is complete. Residents are expected to attend in large numbers, as the annual tradition continues to hold religious and cultural importance across the UAE.
What the moon sighting means for the UAE
The sighting of the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent officially marks the beginning of the final month in the Islamic calendar. It also determines the dates for the Day of Arafah and Eid Al Adha 2026. In practical terms, it’s the announcement many residents wait for before locking in travel plans, staycations and time off with family and friends.
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Expected dates in the UAE
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, the new moon of Dhu Al Hijjah is expected to be born at 12.01am UAE time on Sunday May 17.
Based on astronomical calculations, Monday May 18 is likely to be confirmed as the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah. If officially confirmed after the moon sighting, the Day of Arafah would fall on Tuesday May 26, with Eid Al Adha 2026 expected to begin on Wednesday May 27.
A tradition that still draws a crowd
While astronomical technology continues to advance, public moon sighting events remain an important part of Islamic tradition in the UAE. Every year, communities gather to witness the crescent observation – and once the announcement lands, the Eid countdown across Dubai officially begins.
