All you need to know about Eid in Dubai

What is Eid?

There are two Eid holidays during the year: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.

An important date in the Islamic calendar and celebrated by Muslims all over the world, Eid Al Fitr – which means 'the festival of breaking the fast' – marks the end of Ramadan and signals the beginning of Shawwal (the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar). 

Eid Al Adha, occurs later in the year following Hajj, which is the annual Islamic pilgrimage, and is considered the ‘Greater Eid’ of the two. It lasts for four days, starting on the tenth day of Dhu Al Hijjah (the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar).

When is Eid in Dubai?

Because Eid dates depend on the lunar cycles, the dates according to the Gregorian calendar change every year. 

In 2025, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on either Sunday, 30 March or Monday, 31 March. If Eid festivities fall on 31 March, then you’re looking at five glorious days off from work when combined with the weekend. While the first day of Eid Al Adha is expected to fall on Thursday, 5 June - meaning another long holiday weekend. 

What happens during Eid in Dubai?

Families usually start the day early with morning prayers at home or at a nearby mosque. This is followed by a lunchtime feast with loved ones, and a chance to reflect on the previous month of Ramadan. It is also customary for families to exchange gifts and donate to the less fortunate during this time.

Why spend Eid in Dubai?

Most Muslims tend to spend most of the first day of Eid at home or at the home of relatives. During the next two days, Dubai comes alive as the city's residents and visiting tourists – both Muslim and non-Muslim – go out and celebrate. The city springs to life with exciting activities, traditional dance performances, live music and special shows in all the major public areas across the city. 

Here are some suggestions to make the most of Eid in Dubai:

Sample traditional food

Sharing food with family and friends is central to Eid celebrations. In the UAE, ouzi, a local dish of slow-cooked succulent lamb or goat mixed with rice and topped with fried pine nuts, is one of the signature dishes, as is chicken machboos (chicken thighs cooked in tomatoes, onions and herbs, served with basmati rice). Luqaimat, sweet, donut-style dough balls dipped in honey, are also a ubiquitous (and delicious) addition to the Eid holiday.  

Experience family entertainment

Eid in Dubai brings with it a great deal of buzz and excitement. Over the Eid weekend, the emirate's top malls and entertainment spots often put on spectacular shows welcoming tourists and residents alike. There are special performances, family-focused concerts and so much more to look forward to – visit Dubai Calendar to see what's planned this year. For unbeatable family fun, we also recommend heading to Dubai’s top theme parks IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts. 

Discover great bargains

Gift-giving is an important part of the Eid holiday, and the city's malls and boutiques host flash sales and bargains in the run-up to Eid. From discounts at department stores and big-name brands, to seasonal collections by homegrown designers, the majority of Dubai's malls get into the holiday spirit. Sales are typically announced at the last-minute, so keep your eyes glued to mall websites for more information.

Learn about local culture 

Truly immerse yourself in the spirit of Eid by learning about religion and rituals from the experts at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. They organise regular tours to Jumeirah Mosque, a breathtaking architectural landmark and one of the few Islamic houses of worship open to non-Muslim visitors. The knowledgeable guide will walk you through the history and heritage of Islam, from architecture to beliefs, and answer all your questions.