Eid Mubarak!
The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr occurs at the conclusion to the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The dates this special occasion will fall on will be determined by moon sighting committee, however, the exact days the public and private sector will take as holidays in Abu Dhabi will be confirmed by the UAE Government.
It is expected in 2023 that this public holiday will fall from 20 April to 23 April 2023, though possibly lasting until 24 April 2023 (the last day of Ramadan to 3 Shawwal – 5 days)
20 to 23 April is a confirmed public holiday in Abu Dhabi for public and private sector workers.
The dates for 2024 will move forward approximately 10 days with Eid al Fitr expected to fall from 11 April to 14 April 2024.
What do I need to know as a visitor to Abu Dhabi during Eid?
Eid Al Fitr celebrates the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. From Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (the 10th month on the Hijri calendar), Muslims worldwide mark the end of “sawm” – daytime fasting – one of the five pillars of Islam.
Eid al-Fitr is a festival for Muslims to show gratitude to Allah (God) for the help and strength he gave them throughout the month of Ramadan to help them practice self-control.
Muslims will gather in mosques or open spaces and offer two units of prayer – called “Rakat”. The prayers are followed by a sermon, in which the Imam asks for forgiveness, mercy, and peace for everyone worldwide.
You can learn more about Muslim Prayer times in Abu Dhabi here
Along with exchanging Eid greetings and feasting with family, another important element of the Eid celebrations is giving money to the poor (known as ‘Zakat al-Fitr‘).
Gift-giving among family members is also commonplace. Not quite like Christmas for Christians, but along the same lines of giving and receiving. Commonly referred to as Eidi, elders give children money or gifts to mark the occasion.
There is nothing specific visitors to Abu Dhabi really need to observe during Eid. However, it’s important to note it can be a very 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.
The polite greeting to use at this time is “Eid Mubarak”.
Confused over which Eid?
The second Eid, which is actually the holier of the two Eids celebrated by Muslims around the world, is Eid-al- Adha – Festival of the Sacrifice.
Eid Al Adha occurs on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijjah, which is the 12th and final month in the Hijri (Islamic) calendar.
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha are expected to fall from 27 to 30 June 2023 (subject to moon sighting)
This will be another extensive long weekend, possibly full week off for public and private sector employees.
Events During Eid Al Fitr 2023 in Abu Dhabi
With no more COVID restrictions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, we are expecting this year’s Eid Al Fitr celebrations to be BIG, with plenty of social gatherings to mark the occasion.
Where Can I Watch Eid Fireworks in Abu Dhabi 2023
The annual fireworks will go ahead at the following prime city locations, and several venues around the Emirate:
- On Yas Island over Eid there will be two nights of fireworks on the first and second days of Eid at 9:00 PM on Yas Bay Waterfront. You can also get great views from Al Raha Beach – Al Muneera and Al Bandar.
- The Abu Dhabi Corniche will light up on April 21 at 9:00 PM
- Huydayriyat Island – a new location for 2023, you’ll find waterfront fireworks on April 22 from 9:00 PM
- Al Maryah Island – the waters outside the Galleria are expected to once again wow the crowds in the city with a 9:00 PM show (details TBC)
- Al Mugheirah Bay – situated 90 minutes west of the city on the coast, the skies over Khor Al Bazim lagoon waterfront retail and residential community will light up on April 21 from 9:00 PM.
- Al Ain Hazza Stadium will offer a family-friendly event with seating for a wonderful show at 9:00 PM 21 April.
- Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra (time and date TBC).
Dining and nightlife events Eid al Fitr 2023 in Abu Dhabi
Unlike days gone by when religious holidays in the UAE meant “dry days” were announced, since 2018 there have been no limitations placed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Tourism on hospitality venues in Abu Dhabi. You can expect drinks service to continue as usual over the Eid break. Look out for these advertised events:
Learn more about what’s happening in Abu Dhabi over Eid and April here.
Saadiyat Beach Club
Several events will be taking place over 3 days of celebrations – learn more here.
- Eid Brunch April 21-22 from 12:00 PM
- Pool Party on April 21 from 6:00 PM
- Back to the 80s on April 22 from 6:00 PM
- Sunset Vibes on April 23 from 6:00 PM
Louvre Abu Dhabi – Street Dance
Stop by Louvre Abu Dhabi for a stunning street dance performance, with groups performing a unique fusion of African, Khaleeji and street dance. Sway to the sounds of drums that will transport you across continents and cultures – FREE!.
- Daily, under the main dome between 12:00 Pmn and 6:00 PM
- Tribal Street Fusion Dance – Afro Dance Street Style (Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia): 12:15 pm – 12:25 pm
- Tribal Street Fusion Dance – Afro Dance Street Style (Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia): 1:15 pm – 1:25 pm
- MENA Fusion Dance – Dance infused with North African and Khaleeji (Oman, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria): 2:15 pm – 2:25 pm
- MENA Fusion Dance – Dance infused with North African and Khaleeji (Oman, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria): 3:15 pm – 3:25 pm
- Street Dance – From Tribal to Street Dance – Culture Fusion: 4.45 pm – 4:55 pm
- Street Dance – From Tribal to Street Dance – Culture Fusion: 5.45 pm – 5:55 pm
Eid Concerts on Yas Island
- The biggest entertainment venue in the city will watch fan-favourite Saudi singer Abdul Majeed Abdullah at Etihad Arena on April 23.
- Egyptian singer Mohammed Ramadan will be performing live at Yas Links Abu Dhabi on the 2nd day of Eid.
Eid Surprises Ripe Market on Al Maryah Island
- Bringing the buzz and excitement of the popular Ripe Market to Al Maryah Island on Friday 21st, and Saturday 22nd of April from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Free entry though some activities are chargeable.
Al Qana
Pristine Seas: Bringing the Ocean Back
- A temporary audio-visual exhibition curated by National Geographic will open at The National Aquarium at Al Qana on Friday, 21 April (running for the next 2 years).
Adrenark Adventure i
- The country’s biggest indoor adventure park is set to open in Al Qana over Eid, covering 54,000 sq feet and over 20 activities for your adrenaline junkies to try, from caving to rock climbing and repelling.
Ramadan and Eid Festival at ADNEC
The festivities will continue at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from Ramadan through until Eid. There’s no entry fee at this nightly event running 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
Water Circus Fontana
Proudly presented by Cirque du Liban, the incredible water circus Fontana will open its doors under the temporary big top at Abu Dhabi Marina on 18 April, with special performance times 3 times daily over Eid – find out more about Fontana here.
Offers and shopping deals for Eid Al Fitr in Abu Dhabi
Aside from the religious aspects of Eid, this holiday is also synonymous in Abu Dhabi and the UAE with local shopping deals. Expect to bag a bargain at the shopping malls and get one early, as the crowds can be crazy come evening at popular venues.
Look out for deals such as:
- Discounted annual passes to the Yas Theme Parks
Further public holidays in Abu Dhabi and the UAE
You will want to be aware of these calendar dates for the remainder of 2023:
- Arafat Day and Eid al Adha: 27 June to 30 June 2023 (4 days)
- Islamic New Year: 19 July 2023
- Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) Birthday: 27 September (not always a public holiday)
- Commemoration Day: Tuesday, 1 December (fixed date)
- UAE National Day: Wednesday, 2 December and Thursday, 3 December (fixed date)
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.
- Check the most up-to-date COVID entry rules for Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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