Eid Mubarak!
The UAE has announced the public and private sector holiday dates for Eid Al-Adha.
Thursday, 30 July will mark Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha will be observed from Friday, 31 July to Sunday, 2 August 2020.
The exact dates are yet to be confirmed as they rely on moon sightings, however, the public holiday dates are confirmed by the Government.
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.
It is usually marked by large family gatherings and shared meals, but due to Covid-19 measures this year, the UAE Government has requested families to limit gathering sizes and pass their good wishes online instead.
There is nothing specific visitors to Abu Dhabi really need to observe during Eid, however, it can be a busy time of year and hotel prices can rise as a result of a lot of local families choosing to staycation at this time of year.
Conversley, there can also be shopping bargains to be had and great special offers to enjoy.
Learn more about what’s happening in Abu Dhabi over Eid and August here.
Unlike in Dubai where bars and restaurants are asked to stop serving alcohol over religious occasions, the Abu Dhabi Department of Tourism stopped issuing these “dry day” orders in 2018. There is no formal announcement made.
Further public holidays in Abu Dhabi and the UAE
Dates for the remainder of 2020:
- Islamic New Year: Sunday, 23 August
- Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) Birthday: Thursday, 29 October
- Commemoration Day: Tuesday, 1 December
- UAE National Day: Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December
You can find a full listing of Abu Dhabi’s public holidays and school holidays here
