Eid Al Fitr 2026 in UAE begins under showers and gusty winds
Residents urged to follow safety guidance during unstable weather conditions
DUBAI – As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrates Eid Al Fitr 2026, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued an alert for intermittent rainfall, hail, and gusty winds across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
Residents are advised to stay cautious, plan travel carefully, and follow official guidance as the low-pressure system driving the unsettled weather continues to influence the region.
الامارات : الان تأثير الحالة الجوية على دبي #مركز_العاصفة #منخفض_العزم #أخبار_الإمارات
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) March 20, 2026
20/03/2026 pic.twitter.com/zQ0m7e4sLm
The official first day of Eid Al Fitr falls on Friday, March 20, following confirmation by the Presidential Court after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday, March 18. The final day of Ramadan, Thursday, March 19, preceded the festive holiday, as determined by the UAE Moon-sighting Committee for Shawwal 1447 AH.
Rain and hail
Today, partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected, with scattered rainfall across several areas. Some regions may experience hail, with fresh to strong winds carrying dust and reducing visibility, particularly in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
The lowest recorded temperature this morning was 10.8°C at Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah, while the highest temperature of 37.3°C was recorded in Mezaira, Al Dhafra region at 15:00 local time.
Wind and visibility
Winds are generally light to moderate, freshening at times and gusting up to 45 km/h over inland and northern areas. Dust and sand may reduce horizontal visibility in exposed regions, prompting authorities to advise residents to avoid valleys, carry first-aid kits, and follow travel precautions.
Sea conditions
Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea range from slight to moderate, turning rough at times with cloud activity. Boaters and coastal visitors are urged to monitor local updates before venturing into the waters.
#أخبارنا | #شرطة_أبوظبي تناشد السائقين الالتزام يإرشادات السلامة أثناء الأمطار والتقلبات الجوية المتوقعة .
— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) March 20, 2026
ناشدت شرطة أبوظبي السائقين على متابعة حالة الطقس قبل التحرك بالمركبة، وخفض السرعات على الطرق وترك مسافة أمان كافية بين المركبات والإلتزام بالقيادة الآمنة وتدابير السلامة… pic.twitter.com/r6FGUigHGc
With heavy convective cloud cells forming across the country and the possibility of thunderstorms, residents are encouraged to follow NCM alerts closely, especially during outdoor Eid activities, travel, and family gatherings.