How UAE will celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2026 across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and beyond
Special programmes and shopping offers planned for the holiday
DUBAI/ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing for Eid Al Fitr 2026 with a festive calendar that stretches across all seven emirates, bringing together entertainment, shopping, culture and short-break escapes for residents and international visitors alike.
Public spaces, malls and leisure destinations are being dressed in lights and seasonal greetings, while retailers and hotels are rolling out Eid promotions designed to draw families, citizens, expats and tourists into the celebrations. With the Eid holiday running from March 19 to March 22, the long weekend is set to turn the country into a hub of family outings, cultural events and travel activity.
For many households, the lead-up to Eid has already shifted into high gear. Shopping centres are witnessing a clear rise in footfall as people stock up on clothing, sweets and gifts, helped by seasonal retail offers that traditionally lift spending during the holiday period. At the same time, travellers arriving from around the world, as well as residents planning local breaks, are expected to spread across the UAE’s well-known mix of cultural landmarks, waterfront destinations, theme parks, mountains and resorts.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is set to anchor much of the country’s Eid activity with a blend of major festivals, family entertainment and landmark attractions. One of the biggest draws remains the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, which has been running since November and continues to offer thousands of cultural and public events with broad international participation. The scale of the programme makes it one of the capital’s standout Eid destinations, especially for families looking for performances, heritage showcases and a packed outdoor atmosphere.
Elsewhere in the emirate, visitors can combine holiday events with some of Abu Dhabi’s most recognisable destinations, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Maqta’a Museum, Heritage Village, the Saadiyat Cultural District and Yas Island’s leisure facilities. In Al Ain, the second edition of the Ghaitah Al Ain festival will run from March 20 to March 27 at ADNEC Al Ain, adding live performances, cultural shows and activities for all age groups to the wider Eid line-up.
Dubai
Dubai is preparing for Eid with the kind of citywide programming that appeals to both residents and international tourists, pairing family entertainment with retail campaigns and hotel offers. Shopping malls are expected to play a central role once again, as Eid promotions gather pace and families look for dining, gifting and entertainment under one roof. Hotels are also joining the holiday push with special stay packages, aimed at both staycation guests and overseas visitors planning a short Eid break.
Among the headline events, the Season of Wulfa will continue until March 23, while Expo City Dubai is due to host Eid celebrations from March 20 to March 22. That gives holidaymakers a mix of curated experiences and broader city attractions, reinforcing Dubai’s appeal as both a festive hub and a tourism gateway during one of the busiest family travel periods of the year.
Sharjah
Sharjah’s Eid season is closely tied to the Sharjah Ramadan Festival 2026, which will continue through the holiday and combine retail offers with cultural and heritage experiences. The event brings together local and international brands, entrepreneurs and small businesses, giving shoppers more than just discounts and turning the festival into a broader seasonal marketplace with a community feel.
For visitors who want to move beyond the malls, Sharjah offers one of the UAE’s most varied mixes of coastal, mountain and urban attractions. Khorfakkan Amphitheater and Waterfall, Al Suhub Rest House, Al Heera Beach, Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, Aljada, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Montazah Parks and Al Qasba all stand out as likely Eid draws for families and day-trippers.
Ajman
Ajman is expected to appeal strongly to visitors looking for a quieter Eid break rooted in heritage and local history. One of its best-known landmarks is Ajman Museum, a site dating back to the 18th century that preserves artefacts, manuscripts and traditional costumes. For residents wanting a more relaxed pace during the holiday, and for tourists keen to explore beyond the larger emirates, Ajman offers a more intimate cultural stop within the wider Eid travel circuit.
Its position near the other northern emirates also makes it a practical addition to multi-stop holiday plans, especially for travellers moving around the country during the four-day break.
Umm Al Qaiwain
Umm Al Qaiwain is positioning itself as a leisure-focused Eid destination, particularly for families and adventure-seekers looking to avoid the busiest urban centres. Dreamland Aqua Park remains one of the emirate’s most recognisable attractions, while the aviation, shooting and marine clubs add to its appeal for visitors seeking activity-based outings during the holiday.
Equestrian facilities also broaden the emirate’s offering, giving Umm Al Qaiwain a distinct place in the Eid map for those interested in outdoor recreation rather than large-scale retail or festival environments.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah has completed its preparations to welcome Eid visitors, with the emirate once again leaning on its mix of mountain adventure, heritage sites and seaside escapes. Jebel Jais Flight, widely known as one of the world’s longest zip lines, is expected to remain a major magnet for thrill-seekers during the holiday. For visitors after a slower itinerary, Al Hamra Golf Club, Dhayah Fort and the emirate’s beaches offer a very different kind of Eid experience.
That combination continues to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a destination where travellers can choose between high-adrenaline activities and laid-back resort time over the same long weekend.
Fujairah
Fujairah is set to remain one of the UAE’s most attractive Eid holiday options for visitors drawn to the east coast. Its appeal lies in a combination of natural scenery, family-friendly public spaces and a growing hospitality base that includes hotels and resorts, particularly the beachfront properties in Al Aqah. For many residents, that makes Fujairah a natural choice for a short Eid escape without leaving the country.
Among its best-known attractions are Fujairah Corniche, Madhab Spring Park and Wadi Wurayah, all of which add to the emirate’s draw during holiday periods when demand typically rises for outdoor destinations and resort stays.