UAE’s Expected Dates for Eid and Ramadan 2026 Announced

From moon sightings to long weekends, here’s everything you need to know about Eid and Ramadan 2026 holidays in the UAE next year.

If you’re the type who plans vacations, meal prep, or even your nap schedule around long weekends (same here), then this one’s for you. The Emirates Astronomy Society has just dropped its celestial predictions, and we’re already reaching for our planners. Ready? According to the Emirates Astronomy Society’s 2026 forecast, Ramadan 2026 in the UAE is expected to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 — so start prepping those iftar menus and clearing your calendar for serene evenings and soulful vibes.

Before you rush to buy lanterns and stock up on dates (the edible kind, not the romantic ones), a quick PSA: these dates are based on astronomical calculations, but the official green light comes from the moon-sighting committee closer to the time. That’s right — even in 2026, we’re still letting the moon call the shots.

WOW-Abu Dhabi Expert Tip: Ramadan in February means cooler evenings, perfect for outdoor iftars and night prayers. Expect shorter fasting hours too!

Final confirmation will be issued by the UAE Moon-Sighting Committee, in accordance with Islamic tradition.

So, When Are the Big Holidays?

Eid Al Fitr 2026 is expected to kick off on Friday, March 20 — meaning a long weekend and a sugar rush from all those sweet treats. Time to dust off the kaftans, book that salon appointment, and prep your best “Eid Mubarak” selfies. This marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal — and let’s be honest, one of the most joyful public holidays in the UAE.

But wait, there’s more festive goodness.

Eid Al Adha 2026 — aka the Festival of Sacrifice — is set to fall on Wednesday, May 27. That means the Hajj journey starts a few days earlier, on May 25, with the sacred Day of Arafah landing on May 26. Whether you’re observing, travelling, or just enjoying the long break with family, this is one of the holiest — and most heartwarming — times of the year.

“Religious scholars in the UAE remind the public that actual dates depend on moon sightings and can vary by location.”

Quick Holiday Cheat Sheet

⚠️ Note: These are based on astronomical calculations and may shift by a day depending on moon visibility in the region.

Long Weekend Alert

Eid Al Fitr is expected to land on a Friday, making it a natural long weekend. Meanwhile, Eid Al Adha could roll out a fabulous six-day break from Tuesday, May 26 to Sunday, May 31, depending on how the holidays align with weekends.

WOW-Abu Dhabi Expert Tip: Book your staycations and flights early! Eid periods sell out fast across the UAE.

But Why Do These Dates Keep Changing?

Ever noticed how Ramadan seems to sneak up earlier each year? That’s because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, which is about 10–11 days shorter than the sun-loving Gregorian one. So yes, your summer BBQ might one day overlap with Eid. Wild, right?

So go ahead — set those reminders, plan your getaways, and start mentally prepping for peaceful mornings, soulful nights, and extra servings of kunafa. Ramadan and Eid 2026 are coming — and it’s going to be a beautiful ride.

Bonus: Start of the Islamic New Year 1448

The Islamic year 1448 AH is expected to begin on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. That means another public holiday in sight (yes, already!).

WOW-Abu Dhabi Expert Tip: Islamic New Year is a quiet yet meaningful time for reflection. Many locals take the day to unwind with family.

At a Glance: 2026 Islamic Holidays in the UAE

So go ahead — prep your planners, dream up those iftar menus, and get ready for a soulful ride through Ramadan and Eid 2026 in the UAE. May your calendars be blessed with long weekends, family gatherings, and extra servings of kunafa!