While many of Abu Dhabi's festivals and events are held at fixed times throughout the year, holy Islamic holidays change depending on the lunar calendar, so events may occur in a different month depending on the year. These flexible holidays are marked with an asterisk.

Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival: a huge trade fair, where all manner of goods are exhibited and sold at very low prices. Items are supplied from all over Abu Dhabi, the UAE and abroad.

Abu Dhabi International Jazz Festival: an annual festival that has grown from a small two-day event into a forecasted 10-day extravaganza, this event features some of the best international jazz talent and draws increasingly huge crowds.

Accession Day: commemorates the accession of the ruler of Abu Dhabi and features fireworks, lively celebrations and feasting. Many cultural events are also timed for this day; your hotel should be able to provide you with a programme.

Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet): commemorates the rising of Mohammed to heaven and features exciting festivities and feasting, similar to those used to celebrate all important Islamic holy days.

UAE Desert Challenge: the annual cross-country rally race begins in Abu Dhabi and finishes in Dubai. One of the premier international off-road races in the world, the Desert Challenge features many of the world's top drivers, manufacturers and teams.

National Day Festival: commemorating the foundation of the United Arab Emirates, the National Day Festival features international sporting events, trade shows, exhibitions and cultural displays.

Lunar Calendar
The following important festivals vary in dates from one year to the next, out of synch with the modern calendar.

Ramadan: the month-long Islamic fasting month which requires Muslims to refrain from eating from dawn to dusk. While non-Muslims are not expected to fast, they should not eat in public prior to sunset

Eid al-Fitr: one of the most popular of holy Islamic celebrations, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and signals the beginning of a three-day period of feasting and celebration.

Mouloud (The Prophet's Birthday): commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad and features feasting and celebrations, where many Muslim families open their homes to guests.