As Ramadan enters its final phase, the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, along with local bodies such as Dubai’s Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activity, announced the official Eid Al Fitr prayer times for 2026 across the UAE.The announcement brings clarity to millions of residents of the UAE, where Eid prayers are one of the most important religious gatherings of the year.Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on March 19 or 20, 2026, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
UAE official Eid Al Fitr 2026 prayer times
Based on the latest announcements from the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf), here are the final prayer times for all seven emirates. These are scheduled approximately 15–20 minutes after sunrise to mark the beginning of Eid celebrations.
| Emirate/City | official prayer times | Suggested Arrival |
| Fujairah | 6:12 am | 5:30 am |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 6:15 am | 5:35 am |
| Umm Al Quwain | 6:16 am | 5:40 am |
| Sharjah | 6:17 am | 5:40 am |
| ajman | 6:17 am | 5:40 am |
| Dubai | 6:18 am | 5:45 am |
| abu dhabi city | 6:22 am | 5:50 am |
| al ain | 6:16 am | 5:40 am |
| Madinat Zaid | 6:25 am | 5:55 am |
Preparation of Sunnah and prayer etiquette
In its advisory, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments confirmed that Eid prayers will be held inside mosques in all emirates, with the necessary arrangements in place to manage large gatherings.Worshipers have been urged to arrive early, follow the instructions issued by the mosque authorities and cooperate with the volunteers to ensure smooth flow of entry and exit. This year, the focus has been on organised, mosque-centred prayers, with authorities giving priority to security and crowd management.
Sighting of the moon in UAE
Despite preparations being in full swing, officials clarified that the final confirmation of Eid Al Fitr 2026 depends on the official moon-sighting process led by the UAE Council for Fatwa.The council called on residents to observe the Shawwal crescent on the evening of March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan, and report the sighting through official channels.The UAE’s moon-sighting committee will convene in Abu Dhabi after Maghrib prayers to review input from astronomical observatories, specialized teams and public presentations before making a final decision.If the crescent moon is visible, Eid will be declared the next day. If not, Ramadan will complete 30 days, leading to Eid the following day, in line with the Islamic lunar calendar followed throughout the region.This process, which combines religious tradition with scientific observation, is at the heart of how the Islamic months are determined in the UAE and across the Muslim world.
UAE is preparing for Eid holidays
The announcement of prayer times has further heightened the festive mood in cities, especially in hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where Eid celebrations, shopping and travel preparations are already underway.Government officials are also expected to confirm official holiday dates for both the public and private sectors, as well as transport schedules to accommodate morning prayers and increased travel activity during the break.From packed mosques at dawn to family gatherings during the day, Eid Al Fitr in the UAE remains a deeply spiritual yet widely celebrated occasion, blending tradition, community and celebration on a national scale.