Arab Public Holidays

Complete Guide to Public Holidays in Arab Countries

Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha Dates in Arab Countries

Both Eids move about 11 days earlier every Gregorian year, because the lunar Hijri year is shorter than the solar year. The table below shows the date expected in most Arab countries each year; open any year to see the date and holiday length for every country.

Eid dates 2026–2030

YearEid al-FitrEid al-Adha
2026
1 Shawwal 1447 AH
10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH		 By country →
2027
1 Shawwal 1448 AH
10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1448 AH		 By country →
2028
1 Shawwal 1449 AH
10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1449 AH		 By country →
2029
1 Shawwal 1450 AH
10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1450 AH		 By country →
2030
1 Shawwal 1451 AH
10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1451 AH		 By country →

Dates are expected and may shift by one day depending on each country’s moon sighting.

About Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and falls on 1 Shawwal in the Hijri calendar. Families attend the Eid prayer in the morning, visit relatives and exchange gifts, and children traditionally receive Eidiya money. The exact start is confirmed by moon sighting, so the date can move by one day.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, begins on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the day after pilgrims stand at Mount Arafat during the Hajj. Muslims perform the Eid prayer and many sacrifice a sheep or other livestock, sharing the meat with family, neighbours and those in need. It is the longest public holiday of the year in most Arab countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Eid al-Fitr 2026?

Eid al-Fitr 2026 fell on Friday, 20 March 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447 AH) in most Arab countries.

When is Eid al-Adha 2026?

Eid al-Adha 2026 fell on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 (10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH) in most Arab countries, the day after Arafat Day.

Why do Eid dates differ between Arab countries?

Hijri months begin with the sighting of the new crescent moon, and each country announces its own official sighting, so Eid can start one day apart between countries.

How long is the Eid holiday?

Eid holidays usually last between two and five days depending on the country; Saudi Arabia, for example, gives four days for each Eid.

Country Pages