Things to Do in Abu Dhabi During Eid Al Adha 2026: Family Guide

Eid Al Adha 2026 falls on May 27, giving UAE residents a long break from Monday May 25 through Friday May 29. If you're staying in Abu Dhabi rather than travelling, you're in a city that genuinely knows how to do Eid well. The crowds thin out as residents travel, temperatures are warm but manageable in the evenings, and the city has a festive energy that's different from any other time of year. Here's a practical guide to the best things to do in Abu Dhabi during Eid Al Adha 2026 — covering free activities, family days out, and where to eat.

Yas Island: Theme Park Deals and Eid Special Events

Eid Al Adha activities Abu Dhabi don't get bigger than Yas Island. Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi all typically run special Eid promotions — discounted multi-park passes, evening entertainment, and themed events during the holiday week. A full-day Yas Island multi-park experience costs AED 350–500 per adult normally but Eid combo deals often bring this down to AED 250–350. Check each park's website or the Yas Island official app for 2026 Eid pricing — deals usually go live 48–72 hours before the holiday.

Yas Bay Waterfront is also worth an evening during Eid — the outdoor promenade, restaurants, and entertainment area are particularly lively during holiday evenings. Free to walk, dining from AED 60 per person at casual spots. Find short-term rental options near Yas Island at BuyOrSell.ae Properties for Rent.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The Most Impressive Free Experience in Abu Dhabi

If you have family or friends visiting from abroad during Eid, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the single most impressive thing you can show them in Abu Dhabi — and it's free. The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times, with guided tours available. During Eid Al Adha, the mosque is even more beautiful with special lighting and decorations. Visit just after Fajr prayer or in the late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Dress code is strictly enforced — abayas are provided free at the entrance for those who need them.

The best time for photography is the hour before sunset when the marble reflects golden light and the domes glow. Visiting at this time of year means manageable evening temperatures — around 36°C at dusk — perfect for outdoor photography around the reflecting pools.

Abu Dhabi Corniche: Evening Walks, Beach, and Fireworks

The Abu Dhabi Corniche comes alive during Eid. The 8 km waterfront promenade is free to walk, the beach sections have both paid (AED 20–30) and free access points, and Eid typically brings fireworks displays over the waterfront on the main holiday evening — May 27. Check the Abu Dhabi Events calendar at visitabudhabi.ae for confirmed fireworks timings and locations.

The Corniche beach at Al Bateen end is the quietest during Eid. The central section near Nation Towers is the most festive. For families with young children, the shaded playground areas along the Corniche are a genuine highlight — well-maintained, safe, and free.

Louvre Abu Dhabi: Cool, Cultural, and Underrated

Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is one of the best ways to spend a morning during Eid when outdoor temperatures peak. The permanent collection includes 23 galleries spanning 5,000 years of world history — genuinely astonishing artefacts from every civilisation, displayed with exceptional curation. Entry: AED 63 adults, AED 31 students, free for children under 13. The museum's outdoor terrace and the "rain of light" dome are particularly beautiful in the late afternoon. Cultural spaces like this give Abu Dhabi Eid Al Adha 2026 an intellectual dimension that Yas Island can't quite replicate.

Desert Safari and Camel Riding: Eid's Most Memorable Option

For visitors and residents who haven't done a proper Abu Dhabi desert experience, Eid Al Adha is a meaningful time to do it — the combination of the holiday's heritage significance and the desert landscape creates a uniquely memorable atmosphere. Evening desert safaris from Abu Dhabi (departing Al Ain or Liwa direction) include 4WD dune bashing, camel riding, henna, and a traditional Emirati dinner under the stars. Cost: AED 180–350 per adult depending on operator and package. Book at least 3–4 days before Eid — operators fill quickly during the long holiday weekend.

The Liwa Oasis area, 2 hours from Abu Dhabi city, has the most dramatic dunes in the UAE — some rising over 300 metres. For families who want a more relaxed desert experience, the Al Khatim Desert area (45 minutes from the city) offers camel riding and traditional camps at lower price points.

Eid Shopping: Abu Dhabi Mall Deals and Gold Souk

Eid Al Adha is one of the UAE's biggest shopping periods. Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Mall, Al Wahda Mall, and Marina Mall all run extended hours during Eid (typically 10am–midnight or later) with significant discount promotions. Gold Souk in Madinat Zayed is particularly active during Eid — a traditional time for gold gift-giving — with competitive pricing from AED 280–310 per gram for 22-karat gold. For electronics bargains during Eid, browse listings at BuyOrSell.ae Electronics for pre-Eid clearance deals from private sellers. The official Eid Al Adha public holiday dates are confirmed by MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) for private sector employees. Safety guidance and emergency contacts during the holiday are published by NCEMA (National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority). Official Eid event listings, fireworks schedules, and Abu Dhabi celebrations are announced through the UAE Media Office. Find a new home near Abu Dhabi's best Eid destinations at BuyOrSell.ae Properties for Rent.

Frequently Asked Questions: Abu Dhabi Eid Al Adha 2026

When is Eid Al Adha 2026 in Abu Dhabi?

Eid Al Adha 2026 begins on Wednesday May 27 in the UAE. The official public holiday runs from Monday May 25 (Arafat Day) through Friday May 29, 2026, giving residents a full 5-day break. Work resumes Monday June 1.

Are there fireworks in Abu Dhabi for Eid Al Adha 2026?

Abu Dhabi typically hosts fireworks displays over the Corniche waterfront on the main Eid evening (May 27). Check the official Abu Dhabi Events calendar at visitabudhabi.ae for confirmed locations and timings — usually announced 24–48 hours before the event.

Is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque open during Eid for visitors?

Yes. The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors outside the five daily prayer times throughout Eid. On the morning of Eid Al Adha specifically, Eid prayers take place and the mosque is closed to visitors during that time (typically 6–9am). Check the mosque's website for exact visiting hours during Eid week.

What are the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi during Eid?

The top free activities are: walking the Abu Dhabi Corniche and beach, visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (outside prayer times), evening walks at Yas Bay Waterfront, Heritage Village on the Corniche, and watching Eid fireworks over the waterfront. Total cost: AED 0.

How much does a Yas Island theme park day cost during Eid 2026?

Standard single-park entry ranges AED 200–395 per adult. Multi-park Eid deals (typically announced 48–72 hours before the holiday) often offer 2-park access for AED 250–350. Check the Yas Island app or individual park websites for confirmed 2026 Eid promotions.

What is the best desert safari near Abu Dhabi for Eid?

Evening desert safaris departing from Abu Dhabi cost AED 180–350 per person. For dramatic dunes, the Liwa Oasis direction (2 hours from the city) offers the UAE's tallest dunes. For closer options, Al Khatim Desert (45 minutes) has camel riding and traditional camps. Book at least 3–4 days before Eid to secure a spot.