With the Eid Al Adha holiday now behind them, UAE residents are already setting their sights on the next round of religious and public holidays in 2026. The Astronomy Centre in the UAE has released projected dates for the major Islamic events of 1447 AH, though officials reminded the public that final announcements will still depend on Moon sightings.
As always, the start of each Hijri month will be determined by the visibility of the crescent moon. The UAE’s Moon sighting committee, alongside global observers, plays a critical role in confirming these dates, especially for sacred occasions.
The Islamic New Year, which falls on the 1st of Muharram, is likely to begin on Thursday, June 26, 2025. This could bring with it the first official public holiday of the Islamic calendar in 2026.
Ramadan is expected to return earlier in the year, potentially beginning on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. With fasting from dawn to dusk and an emphasis on reflection and charity, the holy month will be observed once more by Muslims across the country.
Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, could be celebrated on Friday, March 20, depending on the length of the fasting month and the timing of the Moon sighting. Traditionally, this festival is a time for communal prayer, feasting, and generosity.
Eid Al Adha, regarded as the holiest of Islamic festivals, may fall on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in the UAE and other parts of the western region. Based on current calculations, the crescent moon that signals the beginning of Dhul Hijjah is forecast to appear on May 16, making the Day of Arafah fall on May 25.
The UAE Astronomy Centre emphasized that all these dates are subject to change depending on actual moon sightings and should be treated as estimates for now.