Passengers arriving in Dubai during the Eid Al Adha holidays are being welcomed with a specially designed passport stamp that reads ‘Eid in Dubai’, part of a festive initiative by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).The commemorative stamp, introduced at Dubai Airports and the Hatta border crossing, was designed by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office. Images shared by the Dubai Media Office show the stamp placed prominently in arriving passengers’ passports, symbolising a warm, cultural welcome as they enter the country during one of the most important festivals in Islam.The GDRFA confirmed that immigration officers have been stamping passports with the unique design since the start of the holiday weekend. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to offer a meaningful and memorable entry experience for travellers.
Celebrating Eid Al Adha 2025
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, began in the UAE on Friday, June 6, following the Day of Arafah. Residents are enjoying a four-day weekend from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8.Commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion, the festival is observed with special prayers and traditional animal sacrifices. Across Dubai, the holiday is being celebrated with fireworks displays, cultural performances, and festive menus in malls and public venues. Notably, Dubai Parks and Resorts is hosting fireworks visible from Riverland Dubai, enhancing the holiday atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
Over 80,000 stamps issued
According to officials, more than 80,000 travellers have already received the commemorative stamp. Visitors from countries such as India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the Philippines have shared their stamped passports on social media, describing it as a joyful and surprising gesture.Many have taken photos of the stamped pages and posted them online, tagging Dubai Airports and sharing messages of appreciation. “Arrived in Dubai and was greeted with the most beautiful Eid stamp! What a way to start the holidays,” wrote one traveller from London.
A cultural welcome that resonates
Brigadier General Talal Al Shanqeeti, of the GDRFA, explained the significance of the campaign, noting that it represents the values of hospitality, tolerance, and joy that the UAE seeks to offer every visitor. The stamp is part of the wider vision to celebrate culture through simple, human-centred gestures.Immigration officers have reported strong positive feedback. Some passengers have asked specifically for the stamp, while others were moved emotionally by the thoughtful welcome.
What to know if you’re arriving
- Timing matters: The stamp is available during Eid week at select immigration counters.
- Request it politely at immigration if it isn’t offered by default.
- Keep the passport page as a souvenir (it doesn’t impact visa status).
- Check availability depending on their arrival terminal, Terminals 1, 2, and 3 may vary slightly.
Even airlines such as Emirates and Flydubai have reported passengers asking about the stamp while still onboard.The stamp initiative serves as a small but powerful example of how Dubai blends culture with modern hospitality. For Muslim travellers observing Eid far from home or first-time visitors to the UAE, it adds a memorable personal touch to their arrival experience, turning a routine entry process into something festive and meaningful.
