Eid Al Adha is the quieter, more contemplative of the two Eid holidays – a time of prayer, generosity, and gathering. This year, it falls on Friday, 6th June, bringing with it a long weekend and a city-wide sense of pause. Eid Al Adha commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim, honouring his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. For many in the UAE, the festival is often marked with worship, gift-giving, and a weekend of family-focused experiences. Whether you're visiting or living in Abu Dhabi, there’s plenty to enjoy across the city this Eid.
Eid Prayers At Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Eid is at its heart a spiritual festival, and the most fitting way to welcome it is in prayer. At sunrise on Friday, June 6, many will gather at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for the Eid Al Adha prayer – a quiet moment of unity in the heart of Abu Dhabi. As one of the largest mosques in the world, it’s an extraordinary setting for reflection, with its white marble domes, intricate mosaics, and a courtyard that glows beautifully in the soft light of fajr. While the prayer itself is shorter than Friday Jumu’ah prayers, the experience is deeply enriching – a peaceful, reverent start to the long weekend.
Feel Worlds Away With A Luxury Staycation
Not every Eid escape requires a departure – some of the most restorative getaways are the ones spent close to home. Among the most magical staycations in Abu Dhabi this Eid is Qasr Al Sarab Resort by Anantara, nestled deep in the red sands of the Empty Quarter. Here, you can mark the holy festival beneath a blanket of stars, enjoy a moonlit camel trek, and even test your limits with an ice bath dip in the desert – particularly tempting in the blazing summer months. For something closer to the beach, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is hosting their ‘Eid To Remember’ staycation, with family-friendly dining at Vendôme, personalised in-room amenities, and space to unwind in gilded, sea-facing suites.
Rixos Premium Saadiyat offers a more playful, fun-focused alternative, with all-inclusive access and complimentary tickets to the immersive, otherworldly teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
Watch A Live Concert or Comedy Show
Every Eid, Abu Dhabi hosts a series of concerts that turn the long weekend into something a little more electric. This year, the spotlight is on Al Ain, where the Eid Concert series will bring together some of the region’s biggest names. On June 7 and 8, the Al Ain Convention Centre sets the stage for Aseel Hameem, Ayed, Fouad Abdelwahed and Mahmoud Al Turki – a double evening of soaring Arabic vocals and high-energy anthems. Back on Yas Island, Etihad Arena will present Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play! – a fast-paced, multi-character show designed to entertain younger audiences (and mildly amuse their parents). Lounges on Yas Bay lean into softer sounds, with live jazz, acoustic sets, and DJ-led evenings throughout various venues.
In nearby Dubai, Saudi legend Mohamed Abdo – the ‘Artist of the Arabs’ – is set to headline the Coca-Cola Arena on June 7 with a standout performance spanning his six-decade career. Candlelit renditions of Vivaldi and Coldplay will fill the halls of Madinat Jumeirah, while at Dubai World Trade Centre, One Thousand Nights and a Wedding delivers a fantastically funny retelling of Arabian Nights. Aboard the QE2, Dinner with a Clue transforms into an interactive murder mystery dining experience and a theatrical whodunnit, where the plot develops with every course.
Dial Up The Adrenaline on Yas Island
Yas Island always brings high energy, but over Eid, it gets a celebratory upgrade. From June 6 to 10, the island’s theme parks, promenades and waterfronts will pulse with activity while honouring local traditions. At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, guests of all ages can enjoy a range of activities such as henna, Arabic calligraphy and Sadu weaving, complemented by traditional Ayallah dance performances and Eidiyaa giveaways. If you’re feeling particularly formidable, take a ride on the notorious Formula Rossa – the world’s fastest rollercoaster – for an Eid you won’t forget.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi takes a gentler approach to the Eid break, with traditional henna stations, sand art, and fisherman’s dance performances woven into its marine-themed worlds. The pace is slower here – more sea turtles and manta rays than rollercoasters – but the encounters are just as memorable. Nearby at CLYMB, the adrenaline returns. Home to the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall and the region’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber, it’s a favourite for families with teens or anyone keen to burn off the Eid buffet. Special shows and cultural nods, including traditional dance performances and themed Eidiyaa giveaways, bring a festive touch to the experience.
Watch The Skies Light Up With An Eid Fireworks Display
The UAE has many fortes, but one of its finest is the art of a world-class firework display. This Eid, Abu Dhabi’s skies will light up in spectacular fashion, with bursts of colour marking the end of each festive day. Yas Bay Waterfront will host one of the weekend’s most anticipated shows, with fireworks scheduled nightly at 9pm from June 6 to 8 – perfectly timed to follow dinner along the promenade. Over on the Corniche, the city’s skyline will glitter some more with a colourful display at 9pm on Friday, drawing crowds to the water’s edge. Further inland, Al Ain’s Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium will bring its own magic, with fireworks set to ignite the night skies from 6 to 8 June. Whether you’re beachside, in the dunes, or perched somewhere high above the Corniche, keep your eyes on the skyline this Eid – and your camera at the ready.
Indulge In Traditional Flavours at an Eid Feast
Last, but certainly not least, the most traditional way to welcome Eid Al Adha is with a feast. Across Abu Dhabi, restaurants rise to the occasion with generous spreads and time-honoured flavours that celebrate the spirit of giving. For a truly local affair, Al Rimal’s Eid buffet at the upscale Erth Abu Dhabi resort is a fine place to start. This traditional eatery serves home-style Emirati dishes with finesse – think fragrant rice, fall-off-the-bone tender meats, and sticky, spiced desserts.
If you’re in Yas or Saadiyat with family in tow, Al Fanar at Yas Mall offers a more casual take on the classics. Styled like an authentic Emirati majlis, it’s warm and nostalgic, with comforting dishes like jesheed and machboos, served in generous portions. For a more theatrical and elevated setting, the SkyDome at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi hosts an opulent Eid buffet beneath one of the city’s most spectacular indoor glass canopies. Guests can enjoy a bountiful spread of Arabic, Levantine, and international dishes – from live Maqluba stations (the flip is no easy feat) to decadent dessert tables – all in a festive, family-friendly setting.
Wherever you choose to dine, make it slow, make it shared, and of course, go back for seconds.
