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 2025, Arafat Day will likely fall on 5 June, followed by 3 days of public and private sector holidays 6 to 8 June 2025.
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 accommodation prices can rise significantly with an influx of regional tourism. It’s also a popular time of year for local families to take staycations.
It’s a hectic time of year at DXB airport as many use the long weekend to visit family and friends overseas.
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 the pat 3 years, 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)
Eid al-Adha Fireworks in Dubai
We are still awaiting official word on fireworks and celebrations that will take place during Eid 2026, events listed below relate to 2025. We will update this guide closer to the dates when events are announced for 2026.
Riverland Dubai
Fireworks will take place on June 16th and 17th at 9:15 PM. From June 16th to 21st, there will also be daily laser light shows at Riverland at 7:30 pm, 8:20 pm, and 9:30 pm.
Eid Events Line Up in Dubai
The list below still refers to 2025; we’ll get these updated closer to June 2026.
There will be several huge concert events happening over the Eid Al Adha Long weekend in Dubai:
1. Harishankar – Kings in Concert
Two giants of Indian popular music, Grammy-winning artist Shankar Mahadevan and playback singer Hariharan, will perform hits from Bollywood and Malayalam films.
- Date: June 14 at 6:00 PM
- Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
- Tickets: Starting from AED 200
2. Deacon Blue
The Scottish pop band Deacon Blue will perform their greatest hits.
- Date: June 14; Doors open at 8:00 PM
- Venue: The Agenda, Dubai
- Tickets: Starting from AED 195
3. Jeonghwan Kim
Winner of the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition, Jeonghwan Kim will showcase his technique with a varied programme of works by Mozart, Schumann, and Chopin.
- Date: June 15 at 8:00 PM
- Venue: Dubai Opera
- Tickets: Starting from AED 199 – buy here on Platinumlist
4. Jason Derulo
The US singer headlines the EarthSoul festival with his chart-topping hits, including “Whatcha Say,” “Wiggle,” and “Swalla.”
- Date: June 15 at 8:00 PM
- Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
- Tickets: Starting from AED 199 – buy here on Platinumlist
5. Umm Kulthum Hologram
A hologram concert featuring the late Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, accompanied by a live band.
- Date: June 18 at 8:00 PM
- Venue: Dubai Opera
- Tickets: Starting from AED 300 – buy here on Platinumlist
6. Amr Diab
The Egyptian pop star performs his greatest hits in Dubai, including “Nour El Ain” and other popular songs from his extensive career.
- Date: June 18 at 9:30 PM
- Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
- Tickets: Starting from AED 295 – buy here on Platinumlist
In addition to these events, there are some massive international sporting events, with plenty of screenings around town, for the ICC Mens GT20 World Cup and the UEFA Euros, which will commence over the Eid Weekend in June.
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 2026:
- Islamic New Year: 27 June 2025 (not always a public holiday)
- Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) Birthday: 5 September 2025 (not always a public holiday)
- 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 2025 (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
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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