As the UAE’s residents prepare to bid farewell to the holy month of Ramadan, authorities across the seven emirates have announced the Eid Al Fitr 2026 prayer timings. The festival, which marks the end of a month of fasting, devotion and communal worship. It is expected to fall on either Thursday or Friday, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon on Wednesday evening. The IACAD in Dubai confirmed that the crescent moon will be observed on the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan, coordinated by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee.
The observation is set to take place at the Jebel Nazwa crescent sighting location as part of the country’s established system for determining the start of Hijri months.
Latest Important Announcement Regarding Eid Al Fitr 2026 Prayer Timings
In an important announcement for worshippers, authorities confirmed that congregational Eid prayers will be held exclusively inside mosques across the UAE this year. There will be no outdoor prayer setups. Authorities encourage residents to head to their nearest mosque and advise them to arrive between 6:00 am and 6:15 am, as worshippers are expected to fill mosques quickly ahead of prayers
Eid prayers are traditionally held approximately 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise. So, across the UAE, Eid Al Fitr 2026 prayer timing is between 6:30 am and 6:50 am on the day of Eid. There can be slight variations by emirate based on geographic location.
Eid Al Fitr 2026 Prayer Timings by Emirate
Dubai
IACAD confirmed that Eid al-Fitr prayer timings in Dubai will be held at 6:40 am. All mosques in the emirate will host the prayers, and Dubai Police will manage the traffic to ensure the smooth movement of worshippers.
Abu Dhabi
Prayer Timings will vary by area, like Abu Dhabi city at 6:43 am, Al Ain at 6:37 am and Zayed City at 6:47 am. These are set as per the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre’s Hijri Calendar.
Sharjah
The Department of Islamic Affairs lists prayers at 6:39 am for Sharjah city and Al Hamriyah. 6:38 am for Al Dahid, Al Bateah, Al Madam and Mleiha. 6:37 am for the Eastern Region of Sharjah.
Ajman
The Eid Al Fitr 2026 prayer timings in Ajman are expected at around 6:39 am in line with neighbouring Sharjah.
Umm Al Quwain
In this emirate, the Eid prayers are expected to be scheduled for 6:39 am.
Ras Al Khaimah
The Eid Al Fitr 2026 prayer timings in RAK are expected at 6:37 am.
Fujairah
The Eid prayer timing in Fujairah is set for 6:36 am, which makes it the earliest across the UAE’s seven emirates.
Final Words
With over 900 mosques across Dubai, they are ready to welcome worshippers, and the whole UAE is set to welcome Eid Al Fitr 2026 with the communal spirit. Residents are encouraged to plan their journey to their nearest mosque accordingly, dress appropriately and arrive ahead of the prayer times to secure a place in their nearest mosque.
FAQs
The exact Eid Al Fitr 2026 date depends on the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon. The sighting will take place on Wednesday, March 18. If the moon is sighted, Eid will fall on Thursday, March 19. If not, residents across the UAE will celebrate it on Friday, March 20
In Dubai, Eid al fitr prayers are scheduled for 6:40 am as confirmed by IACAD. Worshippers are advised to arrive at their nearest mosque between 6 am and 6:15 am to ensure a place before prayers begin.
No. UAE authorities have confirmed that congregational Eid prayers in 2026 will be held exclusively inside mosques across all seven emirates. There will be no outdoor prayer setups this year.
Fujairah holds the earliest Eid prayer time among the seven emirates, with prayers beginning at 6:36 am. The latest is Zayed City in Abu Dhabi at 6:47 am.
Images: Canva
Also Read: Where To Celebrate Eid Al Fitr Dubai 2026: Places Worth Booking Now
