UAE set for Eid Al Adha as prayers

Millions across the United Arab Emirates are preparing for Eid Al Adha, expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, as the country readies for one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar marked by prayers, family reunions and charitable traditions.

Astronomical calculations indicate that the Hajj season for 2026 began on Sunday, May 24, while Arafat Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26, placing the first day of Eid Al Adha on the following day.

Eid prayers are traditionally performed 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise on the first morning of Eid, in accordance with Islamic practice. Preliminary estimates suggest prayer timings across the UAE will range between 5:39am and 5:50am.

Abu Dhabi is expected to hold Eid prayers at around 5:50am, while Dubai and Al Ain are likely to pray at 5:45am. Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain are expected at 5:43am, Fujairah at 5:41am, Ras Al Khaimah at 5:40am, and Ajman at 5:39am.

Authorities across the country are preparing hundreds of mosques and open-air prayer grounds to accommodate worshippers, with designated sites in residential areas and major city centres expected to host large congregations.

In Abu Dhabi, key prayer locations include Musalla Al Mushrif, Bani Yas Musalla, Mohammed bin Zayed City Musalla and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Dubai’s main Eid prayer sites include Nad Al Hamar Musalla, Al Warqa Musalla, Jumeirah Musalla and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Mosque in Zabeel.

Sharjah will also host prayers at major venues such as Al Badee Musalla, Al Gharb district Musalla and Al Khan Musalla, along with additional sites on Abu Musa Island.

Eid Al Adha is traditionally observed with a set of Sunnah practices, including bathing before prayers, wearing one’s best clothes, and reciting the takbeer while travelling to prayer grounds. Muslims also typically refrain from eating until after the Eid prayer and the ritual sacrifice.