The UAE Council for Fatwa has confirmed that the Dhu Al Hijjah crescent moon was officially sighted on Sunday, 17 May 2026, fixing Eid Al Adha 2026 as Wednesday, 27 May 2026 (per Khaleej Times).
The moon sighting and the date
The council announced the sighting after reviewing observations from specialists, experts and traditional moon-sighters across the UAE through its approved observatory network, which is supervised by institutions specialising in astronomy and space sciences (per Gulf News). With the crescent confirmed on 17 May, Monday 18 May 2026 became the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH.
That fixes Arafah Day, the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijjah, on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, with Eid Al Adha falling on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The date was simultaneously confirmed across the GCC, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar (per Gulf Business).
Six-day break for UAE residents
The official paid holiday in the UAE covers four days: Arafah Day on Tuesday 26 May, followed by the first three days of Eid from Wednesday 27 May through Friday 29 May (per Gulf News). Because the UAE weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday, the holiday block connects directly to the weekend, giving residents an effective six-day break from Tuesday 26 May until Sunday 31 May 2026.
How the date was forecast
Ahead of the official sighting, the Sharjah-based International Astronomy Centre had projected 27 May 2026 as the most likely first day of Eid Al Adha, based on astronomical calculations and the predicted age of the crescent at sunset on 17 May (per Khaleej Times). The Council for Fatwas announcement aligned with that forecast, removing speculation that the holiday might slip by a day.
What Abu Dhabi residents should know
Hajj 1447 AH pilgrims at Mount Arafat will perform the Day of Arafah on 26 May, with the standing at Arafat marking the spiritual peak of the pilgrimage. In Abu Dhabi, residents not travelling for Hajj typically mark the holiday with Eid prayer at major mosques including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, family gatherings, and the qurbani (sacrifice) tradition.
Government services and private-sector working hours will follow the standard public-holiday schedule announced by the UAE Government Media Office, with most public services suspended during the four-day paid holiday window. Public transport, malls and tourist sites remain open across Abu Dhabi and the wider Emirates throughout the break.
