UAE residents could be in for another long holiday, as astronomers have revealed the likely dates for Eid Al Adha 2026 based on early calculations.

According to the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, the festival is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, though the final date will depend on the official moon sighting.

When is Eid likely to fall?

If current projections hold:

• Dhu Al Hijjah is expected to begin on Monday, May 18
• Day of Arafah may fall on Tuesday, May 26
• Eid Al Adha would begin on Wednesday, May 27

The prediction is based on the expected visibility of the crescent moon on May 17, when viewing conditions are considered favourable.

Eid Al Adha is one of the most significant holidays in Islam and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah. For many residents, it also means a multi-day public holiday and travel plans.

Astronomer Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi noted that the data has been shared with the UAE Council for Fatwa. However, authorities stressed that official dates will only be confirmed after the crescent moon is sighted on May 17.

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced the introduction of two new gates under the Darb Toll Gate System in Abu Dhabi. The move aims to improve traffic flow, enhance road network efficiency, and reduce congestion, particularly during peak hours.

Motorists, however, can opt for alternative routes (given below) to avoid toll charges, although this may result in longer travel times.

Locations and launch date

The two new toll gates will become operational on May 4, and will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

They are located at:

• Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street in Ghantoot
• Wahat Al Karama Street, at the entrance and exit of Sheikh Zayed Street

Toll charges and exemptions

A toll fee of Dh4 per crossing will apply.

However, certain categories will continue to be exempt under Abu Dhabi’s approved toll system, including:

• Senior citizens
• People of Determination
• Low-income citizens
• Retired citizens

Alternative routes for motorists

The ITC confirmed that the locations were selected based on detailed traffic studies, including traffic density, mobility patterns, and the availability of alternative routes.

Al Qurm Toll Gate (Wahat Al Karama Street):

• Alternative routes: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street, Arabian Gulf Street

Ghantoot Toll Gate (Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street):

• Alternative route: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Street

According to the ITC, the addition of these gates is part of broader efforts to support Abu Dhabi’s urban expansion and rising traffic demand.

The centre will continue to monitor the system through regular evaluations, analysing traffic patterns and performance to ensure the toll network operates efficiently and meets its traffic management objectives.

The UAE-Oman railway project, officially known as Hafeet Rail, has reached 40 % completion, marking a major milestone in one of the region’s most ambitious transport initiatives.

Once operational, the cross-border rail line will connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar in just 1 hour and 40 minutes, while journeys from Al Ain to Sohar will take only 47 minutes.

First modern cross-border train in the region

Announced in 2023, the project is a joint venture between Oman Rail, Etihad Rail, and Mubadala.

Spanning 303km, the railway will be the first modern cross-border train in the Arab world, carrying both passengers and cargo between the UAE and Oman.

Route and speed

The line will run from the UAE’s existing rail network in Al Wathba to Sohar’s port, passing through varied terrain including deserts, valleys, and mountains alongside Jebel Hafeet.

• Train speed: up to 200 km/h
• Route length (main section): approx. 238km
• Travel time: significantly reduced between key cities

Major engineering works

The project includes:

• 2,500m of tunnels through mountainous terrain
• 21 overbridges and 39 underpasses
• Viaducts and bridges to ensure smooth, uninterrupted rail flow

These features will help maintain efficient travel across challenging landscapes.

Freight services between nations

Beyond passenger travel, Hafeet Rail is expected to create an integrated logistics network, strengthening trade and economic ties between the UAE and Oman. Freight locomotives will be used to power cargo services across the network, helping to strengthen regional logistics, trade flows, and supply chain efficiency between the two Gulf countries.

The project is valued at around $3 billion and is expected to play a major role in enhancing connectivity and economic integration across the region.

While construction is progressing across multiple locations, no official completion date has yet been announced.