Eid al-Adha in the Emirates: What to Know

Eid al-Adha—also known as the Festival of Sacrifice—is one of the most important religious holidays in the Islamic world. In the United Arab Emirates, this sacred occasion is observed with reverence, generosity, and joy. Whether you're a visitor eager to immerse yourself in cultural experiences or a family looking to celebrate in style, Eid in the Emirates is a time of beauty, connection, and reflection.

From majestic mosque prayers and lavish feasts to festive performances and modern indulgences, Eid al-Adha is when the country’s deep-rooted traditions are gracefully shared with locals and guests alike. At Hi DMC, we specialize in crafting meaningful Eid experiences that balance authenticity with elegance—so your time in the Emirates becomes something truly unforgettable.

What Is Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha commemorates the Quranic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of faith. In recognition of this devotion, God intervened and replaced the son with a ram. To honor this, Muslims around the world offer an animal sacrifice—typically a goat, sheep, or cow—during the Eid celebration, and the meat is distributed to family, neighbors, and the less fortunate.

The festival also coincides with the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, making it a spiritually charged period across the Muslim world. In the UAE, Eid al-Adha reflects not just a religious observance, but also the values of generosity, unity, and gratitude.

When Is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?

The date of Eid al-Adha varies each year, as it follows the Islamic lunar calendar. It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic year. In the Gregorian calendar, the holiday usually lands about 10–12 days earlier each year. The UAE typically announces the exact dates just days before, based on moon sightings.

In 2025, Eid al-Adha is expected to fall in early June, with public and private sector holidays typically lasting 3 to 5 days.

What Happens During Eid al-Adha in the UAE?

1. Morning Prayers at the Mosque

Eid begins with special dawn prayers called Salat al-Eid. These take place in mosques, open prayer grounds, and dedicated areas across the Emirates. Men, women, and children dress in their finest attire—often new or specially prepared for the day—and gather to pray as a community.

Where to Experience:

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
• Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai
• Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah

These beautiful venues often host thousands of worshippers and are open to non-Muslim visitors during certain hours for guided tours.

2. The Qurbani (Sacrifice)

After prayers, families who can afford it participate in the ritual sacrifice of livestock. The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need. In the Emirates, this process is organized with efficiency and respect, often facilitated through approved charities and slaughterhouses.

Visitors may not witness the sacrifice directly, but they can contribute to local Eid charity efforts or experience traditional Eid meals that reflect this gesture of sharing.

3. Family Gatherings and Home Feasts

The heart of Eid is always at home. Families gather for festive meals, gift exchanges, and shared blessings. Traditional dishes include:

• Harees: slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge
• Machboos: spiced rice with lamb or chicken
• Tharid: bread soaked in meat stew
• Sweets such as khabeesa, luqaimat, and date-filled pastries

Homes are often decorated, and guests are warmly welcomed with Arabic coffee, incense, and desserts.

Hi DMC Tip: We offer immersive home-hosted Eid meals for guests, complete with storytelling, traditional dress, and curated menus.

4. Public Festivities & Fireworks

In true Emirati fashion, Eid al-Adha is also a time of celebration across the country. Malls, landmarks, and hotels host family-friendly events, such as:

• Firework displays at locations like Yas Marina, Dubai Festival City, and Al Majaz Waterfront
• Cultural performances including traditional dance (Ayyalah, Harbiya), poetry recitations, and musical concerts
• Mall activations for children with puppet shows, magic, storytelling, and crafts
• Special hotel brunches, Eid-themed menus, and staycation offers

For travelers, Eid becomes an opportunity to witness community joy in real time, from the grandeur of city-wide illuminations to the subtle grace of a henna artist decorating children’s hands in the mall.

Cultural Etiquette During Eid

To respectfully engage in Eid traditions in the UAE, here are a few helpful cultural tips:

• Dress modestly when visiting mosques or public events. Cover shoulders and knees.
• Offer greetings like “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) with a smile—it’s welcomed by all.
• Avoid scheduling business meetings or formal appointments during the first two days of Eid, as most businesses are closed or operating on reduced hours.
• Respect prayer times, especially around sunrise on the first day.
• Be generous—donations, gifts, and simple acts of kindness are encouraged during Eid.

Eid Shopping and Gifting Traditions

The week before Eid sees a surge in shopping activity. Locals purchase new clothes, perfumes, gold, and sweets, not only for themselves but also for their loved ones. Major malls in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah host late-night sales, cultural zones, and fashion shows leading up to the festival.

Popular gift items include:

• Oud perfumes and bakhoor incense
• Arabic sweets in luxury boxes
• Children’s toys and Eid envelopes with money
• Handmade crafts from Emirati artisans

Hi DMC Add-On: We organize private shopping experiences, from curated gold market tours to perfume blending sessions with local scent experts.

How Hi DMC Makes Eid al-Adha Special for Visitors

Whether you're visiting the UAE for the first time or returning to reconnect with its cultural soul, Eid al-Adha offers a window into Emirati values and hospitality. Hi DMC elevates that experience by offering:

• Private access to Eid prayer sites and cultural landmarks
• Invitations to authentic Emirati family meals
• Curated city tours tailored to Eid festivities
• VIP bookings for fireworks cruises and dining events
• Thoughtful cultural orientation sessions before you join the celebrations

From the spiritual to the celebratory, every element of your Eid journey can be tailored to match your interests, pace, and sense of wonder.

‍