Eid in Makkah for Residents: Holidays, Eid Morning, Visits and Travel

After weeks of night prayers in Ramadan, or the peak of the Hajj season in Dhul Hijjah, Eid in Makkah shifts the city’s rhythm to early-morning prayer crowds, afternoon family visits and late-night sweet shops.

This guide covers the practical side for residents: holiday days, Eid morning, visits, travel, and how the two Eids differ. It does not cover religious rulings. If you are planning the whole month, start with our guides to Taraweeh in Makkah and the last ten nights of Ramadan.

Official holidays

The Ministry of Human Resources sets Eid holidays for private-sector workers (HRSD):

Eid holidays, private sector (HRSD)

Eid al-Fitr starts the day after 29 Ramadan on the Umm Al-Qura calendar, and Eid al-Adha starts on the Day of Arafat. If an Eid day falls on a weekly rest day, the worker is compensated with the same number of days before or after; if it overlaps annual leave, that leave is extended (HRSD). Government employees follow their own announced schedule, so check your employer’s notice.

Eid morning

Eid morning at the Haram brings huge numbers into a small area within a few hours. Families who go usually set off very early and accept a long walk from the bus or shuttle point.

Many residents pray at their local Eid prayer ground or masjid instead, then spend the morning visiting. Both are common; choose what works for your household.

Visits, shops and food

Eid is about visiting, so expect residential streets to be busy with parked cars in the evenings. Bakeries and sweet shops are busiest in the last days before Eid; buy early. Some shops close for part of Eid morning and reopen later. Our groceries guide covers where residents shop.

For outings with children, our family activities guide lists calm options in the city.

Travelling over Eid

Eid is a popular time to visit family in Jeddah or Madinah. The Haramain station in Ar Rusayfah opens daily from 06:30 to 00:30. Trains fill up around holidays, so book early through the official HHR timetable and app. Our Haramain guide covers the basics.

How the two Eids differ

	Eid al-Fitr	Eid al-Adha
Comes after	Ramadan	The Day of Arafat, in Hajj season
Private-sector holiday	4 days	4 days
City mood	Visits, sweets, late nights	Hajj season, pilgrims in the city
Movement	Busy but open roads	Entry permits and road controls

Eid al-Adha falls in the Hajj season, when the Ministry of Interior applies entry rules for Makkah. For Hajj 1447, residents without a Makkah-issued iqama, a Hajj permit or an approved work permit needed an entry permit (DARP). If relatives from other cities plan to visit for Eid al-Adha, check the year’s rules first, or meet them outside Makkah.

FAQ

How many days off do private-sector workers get for Eid?

Four for Eid al-Fitr and four for Eid al-Adha, according to HRSD.

What happens if Eid falls on my day off?

HRSD says you are compensated with the same number of days before or after the holiday.

Can family from Riyadh visit me in Makkah for Eid al-Adha?

Check the year’s Hajj-season entry rules first. Residents without a Makkah iqama needed a permit in 1447.

Is the Haramain train busy over Eid?

Yes, trains fill up around holidays. Book early through the official HHR timetable or app; Makkah station opens daily from 06:30 to 00:30.

Last checked: 13 October 2026. Eid dates for 1448 depend on moon sighting and are not given here.