The UAE Moon Sighting Committee confirms the crescent of Dhul Hijjah on the evening of Sunday May 17, marking the start of the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. The Hajj season is now officially open. Muslims in Abu Dhabi begin increased ibadah — voluntary fasting, dhikr, and charitable giving are especially encouraged during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, considered among the most virtuous days of the year.

The Day of Tarwiyah marks the beginning of Hajj rites, as pilgrims move from Mecca to Mina. In Abu Dhabi, the official public sector holiday window begins today — Monday May 25 — for government employees and school students, creating a 9-day break when combined with the surrounding weekends. Private sector workers await Ministry of Human Resources confirmation for their holiday entitlement.

Arafat Day is the most spiritually significant day of the Islamic year. Hajj pilgrims gather on the Plain of Arafat for the central rite of Hajj — the Wuquf. In Abu Dhabi, Arafat Day is an official public holiday for all sectors. Fasting on Arafat Day is a confirmed Sunnah for non-pilgrims, with the reward described as expiation of the previous and coming year's minor sins. Mosques across Abu Dhabi hold special Arafat Day programmes. The city operates on a reduced schedule — plan ahead for essential errands.

Eid al-Adha officially begins. Eid prayer time in Abu Dhabi: 06:09 AM (approximately 15–20 minutes after sunrise at 05:47 AM). Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque hosts the principal congregational prayer — arrive before 05:45 AM to secure entry and complete wudu. Dress in clean or new clothes; the Eid takbeer begins from the night before and continues through the Tashreeq days. Qurbani becomes valid immediately after Eid prayer and must be completed before the end of 13 Dhul Hijjah. The city's halal food ecosystem sees elevated traffic from late morning as families gather for Eid meals.

The first of the three Days of Tashreeq (Ayyam al-Tashreeq). Fasting is prohibited on this day and the two that follow — these are days designated for eating, drinking, and remembering Allah. Hajj pilgrims complete the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat (Rami) at Mina. In Abu Dhabi, Eid celebrations continue — family visits, community gatherings, and the extended holiday window make this a peak day for cultural experiences and local excursions. Qurbani remains valid through the end of 13 Dhul Hijjah.

The second Day of Tashreeq coincides with Friday — making Jumu'ah prayer especially significant this Eid. The last official day of the public sector holiday. Pilgrims who take the earlier departure (Nafar Awwal) leave Mina today before sunset; those who remain observe the third stoning tomorrow. In Abu Dhabi, this is the final day of the 9-day break for most residents — evening travel back into the city is expected to be heavy. Qurbani deadline: must be completed before sunset today for those following the earlier view, or tomorrow for those following the later scholarly position.

The third and final Day of Tashreeq — the last day on which Qurbani is valid according to the majority scholarly position. Pilgrims who remained in Mina complete the final stoning of the Jamarat and the Hajj rites conclude. In Abu Dhabi, the working week resumes for public sector employees tomorrow — this weekend day marks the quiet end of the Eid window for most residents. A good day for final family visits, rest, or a last excursion before the return to routine.

Government offices, schools, and public institutions reopen. The 9-day Eid al-Adha break — the longest public sector holiday window of the UAE year — concludes. Traffic and commuter patterns return to normal. Private sector employees who received a 6-day holiday (subject to Ministry confirmation) also return today. The Eid window closes; the Islamic calendar continues toward 1 Muharram and the Islamic New Year, expected in late June 2026.

Abu Dhabi fully returns to its working rhythm. Restaurants, malls, and services that adjusted their hours during the Eid window operate on standard schedules. For visitors and residents who extended travel through the long weekend, this is the final day of the Eid al-Adha period in practical terms. The next major Islamic observance is the Islamic New Year (1 Muharram 1448), expected around late June 2026.