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UAE’s Eid Al Adha 2026 prayer timings announced: What you need to know
Get prayer timings for Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and other emirates on the first day of Eid Al Adha, Wednesday, May 27
- PUBLISHED: Mon 25 May 2026, 6:00 AM UPDATED: Tue 26 May 2026, 4:38 PM
The UAE’s General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has announced the official Eid Al Adha prayer timings for 2026. Mosques across the country are expected to welcome worshippers in the early hours of Wednesday, May 27, for congregational prayers marking one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
As residents across the UAE prepare to celebrate Eid Al Adha, this year’s festival comes after weeks of regional tension linked to the Iran war.
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There is, however, a stronger sense of hope ahead of Eid, as talks towards a possible US-Iran deal raise expectations of de-escalation in the region.
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What time should you head to the mosque?
Eid Al Adha prayers will be held between 5.42am and 5.56am, depending on where you are in the UAE. As mosques are expected to be busy, worshippers are advised to arrive early.
Official Eid Al Adha prayer timings
Abu Dhabi: 5.51am
Dubai: 5.45am
Sharjah: 5.45am
Ajman: 5.45am
Umm Al Quwain: 5.44am
Ras Al Khaimah: 5.43am
Fujairah: 5.43am
Al Ain: 5.45am
Al Dhafra Region: 5.56am
Eastern Region, Sharjah: 5.42am
Sunnahs and etiquette of Eid prayer
Muslims observe several recommended practices before heading for Eid prayers.
These include:
• Performing ghusl, or ritual bathing, wearing the best clothes and applying perfume
• Walking to the mosque or prayer ground if possible
• Taking one route to the prayer and returning by a different route
The Eid prayer itself consists of two units, or rak‘ahs, with additional takbeers.
Families and friends typically gather after prayers to exchange greetings and begin Eid celebrations together, marking the start of the holiday across the UAE.
What is Udhiya?
The sacrifice, known as Udhiya or Qurbani, is performed after the Eid Al Adha prayer. The ritual begins after the Eid prayers, with the meat typically shared among family, neighbours and those in need.
The sacrifice is usually carried out using livestock such as sheep, goats, cows or camels, and is associated with commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith.
In the UAE, residents are advised to use approved slaughterhouses and authorised services rather than slaughtering animals in homes, streets or public areas.
As Associate Editor, Sahim Salim helps tell the UAE story like no one else does — and leads a team of reporters that asks the questions to get news and headlines that matter.