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Eid Mubarak!
Eid Al-Adha in Dubai (also called Eid ul-Adha) is a public and private sector holiday in the United Arab Emirates. The exact date is determined in line with announcements made by the moon sighting committee and Dubai Government policy.
In 2024, Arafat Day will fall on Saturday, 15 June, followed by 3 days of public and private sector holidays 16 to 18 June 2024.
What Do I Need to Know as a Visitor to Dubai 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 worldwide. (The other Eid is Eid ul-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.
As a non-Muslim, there is nothing visitors to Dubai really need to observe during Eid, but do note it can be a much busier time of year.
Retail outlets may stay open until much later at night (or even 24 hours), and the price of accommodation can rise significantly. It’s a very popular time of year for local families to take staycations.
It is also an incredibly busy time of year at DXB airport as many use the long weekend to visit family and friends overseas (and this year, it will coincide with the start of school summer holidays for some).
Learn more about what’s happening in Dubai over Eid and June here.
“Dry Nights” in Dubai
By order of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), bars and restaurants in Dubai will cease selling alcohol during religious occasions.
This DID NOT happen in 2022 or 2023, so as we understand it, dry nights in Dubai will no longer be applied for religious occasions.
(NB, Abu Dhabi emirate stopped the practice of dry nights over religious occasions some years ago; we suspect Dubai may follow suit – but please be prepared that this may happen)
You can learn more about Dubai’s alcohol rules here.
Eid al-Adha Fireworks in Dubai
We are still awaiting official word on fireworks and celebrations that will take place during Eid 2024, so far we are aware of:
Riverland Dubai
Fireworks will take place on the 16th and 17th of June at 9:15 PM. There will also be daily laser light shows at Riverland from June 16th to 21st at 7:30 pm, 8:20 pm and 9:30pm.
Find further Eid event information for 2024 over here.
Further Public Holidays in Dubai and the UAE
Forward planners, get your notebooks out as there are still a few more public holidays to come in 2024:
- Islamic New Year: 7 July 2024 (not always a public holiday, but Monday 8th may be declared)
- Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) Birthday: 15 September 2024 (not always a public holiday, but Monday 16th may be declared, giving a 3-day weekend)
- Commemoration Day: 30 November (not always a public holiday, but expect it to be combined with Union Day celebrations)
- UAE Union (National) Day: 2 December 3 December 2024 (so likely 30 November to 3 December, giving a 4-day long weekend)
You can find a full listing of Dubai’s public holidays and school holidays here
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers 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 recommendation links.
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