UAE 2026 holiday forecast: Likely dates for Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha revealed
Actual dates for Islamic events will be confirmed based on official moon sightings in the UAE/(Representational Image)
As UAE residents return from the recent Eid Al Adha long weekend, attention is already turning toward the next set of significant Islamic dates and holidays in 2026 (1447 AH). The UAE's Astronomy Centre has now released its projected calendar for the upcoming Hijri year, offering a preview of when Muslims in the country, and across the region, can expect to observe key religious events.
It's important to note that these dates are based on astronomical calculations and remain subject to official moon sightings and government announcements, which will confirm the exact timing of public holidays.
Hijri New Year (1 Muharram 1447 AH)
Expected Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
The Islamic New Year is set to begin on Thursday, June 26, 2025, with the Moon sighting for the month of Muharram expected on the evening of Wednesday, June 25, corresponding to Dhul Hijjah 29, 1446 AH.
As per the UAE's official public holiday calendar, residents can expect a public holiday on this occasion, marking the start of the new Hijri year 1447 AH.
Ramadan 2026 (1 Ramadan 1447 AH)
Expected Start: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (Western regions)
Thursday, February 19, 2026 (Eastern regions)
In a welcomed shift, Ramadan 2026 is likely to fall in the cooler month of February, a departure from this year's early March schedule. This year, Ramadan began on Saturday, March 1, 2025, but due to the Islamic lunar calendar moving 10 to 12 days earlier each year, next year's fasting month is expected to begin on:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (moon sighting)
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (start of Ramadan in western regions like UAE)
Thursday, February 19, 2026 (start in eastern regions)
As always, actual dates may differ depending on regional moon sightings.
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The holy month, which spans 29 or 30 days, is observed with fasting from dawn to dusk and is a time marked by charity, prayer, and community across the Muslim world.
Eid Al Fitr 2026
(1 Shawwal 1447 AH)
Expected Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is determined by the sighting of the Shawwal crescent. Based on current projections, the moon is expected to be sighted on Thursday, March 19, 2026, which would place Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026.
As with Ramadan, the exact timing of Eid celebrations can vary depending on geographic location:
Western regions, including the UAE, are expected to mark Eid on March 20
Eastern regions may observe Eid a day later, on Saturday, March 21, 2026
The holiday is a time for communal prayers, festive meals, and charitable giving, following a month of spiritual discipline.
Eid Al Adha 2026
(10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH)
Expected Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (UAE and western regions)
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (Eastern regions)
The Festival of Sacrifice, or Eid Al Adha, is one of the holiest days in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command.
The day also follows the Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah), which is observed with fasting and reflection by Muslims worldwide, except for pilgrims performing Hajj.
The crescent marking the start of Dhul Hijjah is expected to be seen on:
Saturday, May 16, 2026, which places 1 Dhul Hijjah on Sunday, May 17 in the UAE
In eastern regions, the moon may be sighted a day later, meaning 1 Dhul Hijjah would fall on Monday, May 18, 2026
Based on this timeline:
Eid Al Adha in the UAE is expected on Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Other parts of the world, especially in the eastern hemisphere, may observe it on Wednesday, May 27, 2026
The nine days leading up to Eid are spent in devotion, prayer, and fasting, with the slaughter of livestock performed on Eid as a symbol of sacrifice and generosity, with meat distributed among family, friends, and the poor.
Summary of Likely Dates (1447 AH | Gregorian 2025–2026)
Event
Likely Gregorian Date
Notes
Hijri New Year
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Public holiday likely in UAE
Ramadan Begins
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026
Eastern regions may start on Feb 19
Eid Al Fitr
Friday, March 20, 2026
Subject to Ramadan length (29–30 days)
Dhul Hijjah Begins
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Eastern regions may begin on May 18
Eid Al Adha
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Likely one-day delay in eastern regions
These dates have been calculated by the UAE Astronomy Centre and are based on lunar predictions. The final confirmation will come only through official moon sightings, conducted by the UAE's Moon Sighting Committee, which also urges the public to participate in moon sightings during important months.
While these dates serve as a reliable forecast, residents are advised to wait for official announcements from UAE authorities closer to each event.
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