Eid Mubarak!
The UAE Government has announced public and private sector holiday dates for Eid Al-Adha celebrations in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
It is expected Arafat Day will fall on Tuesday, 27 June and Eid Al Adha will be observed from Wednesday 28 June to Friday 30 June 2023. Residents will get a 6-day public holiday.
The exact dates of religious occasions are always subject to moon sightings. However, the government confirms the public holiday dates; they can sometimes differ by a day or two.
Abu Dhabi Eid Fireworks
One of the exciting parts of celebrating Eid in Abu Dhabi are the fireworks and celebrations everyone can join in with. We are aware of only two confirmed locations so far:
Eid Fireworks Yas Bay
Abu Dhabi’s hottest nightlife destination, grab a seat at one of the dozen or so eateries that surround Yas Bay Waterfront or neighbouring Al Raha Beach venues to see the Yas Eid-al-Adha fireworks:
- 9:00 PM – Nightly 28-30 June 2023
Eid Fireworks Al Hudyriyat
A newer location, join family and friends on the beachfront at Marsana, Hudayriyat to enjoy a spectacular light display:
- 9:00 PM 29th of June 2023
- Free of charge
Unconfirmed Eid Fireworks locations in Abu Dhabi
We don’t have official word yet but expect to see fireworks at:
- Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Al Ain Hazza Stadium
- Al Mugheirah Bay – Western Region
Al Maryah Eid Family Activities
Whilst there will be no fireworks this year at The Galleria Al Maryah Island (confirmed), there will be a fabulous lineup of indoor family activities to enjoy along with cultural celebrations.
Set to run from 23 June to 2 July inclusive; guests can look forward to a themed play zone for little ones (10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily), interactive exhibitions, a hunt for valuable Eid prizes and more.
Entry to the Eid Play Zone is free with a receipt from Galleria of AED 200 or more. For a chance to win Galleria gift cards loaded with AED 100 to AED 5,000, you need combined receipts totalling AED 500 to try your luck at The Claw for some extra special eidiyah! The perfect way to celebrate Eid Al Adha in Abu Dhabi indoors this year!
What do I need to know as a visitor to Abu Dhabi during Eid?
Eid Al Adha is the Festival of the Sacrifice. It is the second and holier of the two occasions of Eid, marked by Muslims around the world. (The other Eid is Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan).
It begins on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijjah, which is the 12th and final month in the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. The occasion is marked by prayers and large gatherings of family and friends over shared meals.
As a non-Muslim, there is nothing specific visitors to Abu Dhabi really need to observe during Eid. However, it’s important for visitors to note that it can be an extremely busy time of year; hotel prices can rise due to many local families choosing to staycation at this time of year. You will find longer queues at attractions, and dinner reservations are a must.
Conversely, there can also be shopping bargains to be had and fantastic special offers to enjoy. Retail outlets may stay open until much later at night.
Learn more about what’s happening in Abu Dhabi over Eid and June here.
Further Public Holidays in Abu Dhabi and the UAE 2023
You will want to be aware of these calendar dates for the remainder of 2023:
- Islamic New Year: 19 July 2023 (Public holiday expected Friday 21 July)
- Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) Birthday: 27 September (not always a public holiday)
- Commemoration Day: Friday, 1 December (fixed date)
- UAE National Day: Saturday, 2 December and Sunday, 3 December (2 days may be given in lieu)
You can find a full listing of Abu Dhabi’s public holidays and school holidays here
Before you go… Important things to consider planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Find the latest Abu Dhabi COVID-19 Guidance here.
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
Take me back to the Latest Abu Dhabi News
Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.
Abu Dhabi Travel Planner
