Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia: General Information for Travelers
Updated: March 30, 2026
Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” signifies the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim is one of Islam’s most important holidays.
What is Eid al-Adha?
In Islam, there are two major Eids (Celebration Festivals): Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, and Eid-ul-Adha, the bigger Eid, which marks the end of the yearly Hajj trip during the time of Qurbani (sacrifice).
Although Eid al-Adha has no direct tie to the Hajj Pilgrimage, it is just a day after Hajj and has temporal importance.
What exactly is Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia?
The holiday, which typically lasts three to four days and is celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide, begins on the 10th day of the Muslim calendar lunar month of Dhul-Hijja, during the period of Hajj, the annual journey to Mecca.
It is one of two main Muslim holidays observed worldwide each year, the other being Eid al-Fitr, or "Festival of Breaking the Fast," which honors the conclusion of Ramadan.
Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia
What is the significance of Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha commemorates the event in which Ibrahim had a dream that he mistook for a message from Allah, instructing him to sacrifice his son Isma'il as a gesture of loyalty to God.
The devil persuaded Ibrahim to defy Allah and spare his son. When Ibrahim was going to slay his son, Allah intervened and provided him with a lamb to sacrifice instead.
Eid al-Adha 2026 Public Holiday in Saudi Arabia
The appearance of the new moon in Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, will decide the day of Eid al-Adha.
When is Eid al-Adha?
In Saudi Arabia in 2026, Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) is expected to begin on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, corresponding with the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar — though the exact day depends on local moon sighting and may vary slightly once officially announced.
Expected Eid al-Adha date:
- Wednesday, 27 May 2026 (10 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH) in Saudi Arabia.
- Sunday, 16 May 2027 — Likely first day of Eid al-Adha (10 Dhu al-Hijjah)
The holiday traditionally follows the Day of Arafah and may be observed over several days, depending on moon visibility.
Schedule of Eid al-Adha in 2026:
- Wednesday, 27 May 2026 – First day of Eid al-Adha (10 Dhu al-Hijjah) (expected)
- Thursday, 28 May 2026 – Eid al-Adha holiday (tentative)
- Friday, 29 May 2026 – Eid al-Adha holiday (tentative)
- Saturday, 30 May 2026 – Eid al-Adha holiday (public sector only, tentative)
- Sunday, 31 May 2026 – Eid al-Adha holiday (public sector only, tentative)
When is Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia?
How is Eid al-Adha celebrated?
Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia is a Saudi public holiday observed throughout the Islamic world and in nations where Islam is acknowledged as a prominent religion. The major observance of Eid al-Adha, regardless of origin, culture, or location, is the symbolic recreation of Ibrahim's obedience. Depending on where the festival is held, the sacrifice may include a cow, sheep, lamb, goat, ram, or even a camel.
The reward received from the sacrifice must be distributed as follows: the individual, group of individuals, or family giving the sacrifice is entitled to one-third of the meat, while their friends and relatives are entitled to the other third. The remaining third is only for the poor and less fortunate.
By participating in this Feast of Sacrifice, Muslims worldwide affirm their desire to submit to the Creator's will. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims with financial means are expected to offer money, food, and clothing to the homeless and impoverished.
Though on a smaller scale than Eid al-Fitr, Muslims use the occasion to dress up and visit family and friends, presenting and receiving gifts.
Hajj
The Hajj is a Saudi pilgrimage to Makkah. It takes place annually and is the Fifth Pillar of Islam (and therefore very important). On the last day of the Hajj, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha. Pilgrims undertake acts of worship and reaffirm their faith and feeling of purpose in the world during the Hajj. They all stand in front of the Ka'bah, Ibrahim's shrine, and adore Allah together.
Ka’bah
The Ka'bah is Islam's most important monument. Pilgrims travel around the Ka'bah seven times, with many attempting to touch the Black Stone in the corner.
How is Eid al-Adha celebrated?
What Is the Difference Between Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr?
"Eid" means festival or feast in Arabic, and Muslims commemorate two great "Eids."
The first, Eid al-Fitr, Arabic for "fast-breaking holiday," occurs at the end of Ramadan, a month-long period during which Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset. It is also known as Sawm and is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan is the month in which Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the first verses of the Quran.
Eid al-Adha, the holy of the two Eid festivities, occurs approximately two months after Eid al-Fitr, at the conclusion of the annual Hajj journey to Mecca. According to the Islamic lunar calendar, the dates of both celebrations are the same every year. Because the Western 365-day Gregorian calendar is 11 days longer, the dates shift each year.
Eid al-Adha prayer time
The hours for the Eid al-Adha special prayers have not been announced since we are still waiting for the official dates from the moon sighting.
Later that day, on Eid al-Adha, Muslims would pray at mosques and musallahs (outdoor houses of worship) around Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, the Eid prayer is normally held 10 to 15 minutes after daybreak, and attendees are advised to be at the mosque or musallah before sunrise to minimize congestion.
Eid al Adha commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to listen to what Allah had instructed him to accomplish. Eid al Adha in Saudi Arabia celebrates the culmination of Hajj, a pilgrimage many Muslims make to the holy city of Mecca. Every year, almost 3 million Muslims go to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj. Saudi Arabian families will exchange food with friends and neighbors on Eid al-Adha, and children will receive gifts.
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