As May draws to a close, UAE residents and citizens are preparing for Eid al-Adha 2025, one of the two most significant religious holidays in the Islamic calendar, alongside Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan.
According to a directive issued by the UAE Cabinet, both public and private sector employees will observe Arafat Day on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, followed by Eid al-Adha celebrations from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, resulting in a total of four days off.
When Will Eid al-Adha Fall?
The Emirates Astronomy Society has forecasted that the crescent moon marking the start of Dhu al-Hijjah will be sighted on the morning of May 27. If confirmed, Wednesday, May 28 will mark the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
This sighting would place Eid al-Adha on Friday, June 6, with Arafat Day observed on Thursday, June 5. Accordingly, the holiday period in the UAE is expected to run from Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 8, for both public and private sector workers.
Significance of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to God’s command. The holiday serves as a reminder of faith, sacrifice, and spiritual dedication.
The timing of Eid al-Adha is determined by the lunar calendar and the sighting of the crescent moon, which initiates the new Islamic month. The UAE’s moon-sighting committee is responsible for officially confirming the lunar sighting. Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, following the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Though not directly linked to the Hajj pilgrimage, Eid al-Adha is observed the day after the pilgrimage concludes and holds considerable religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
Understanding Arafat Day
Arafat Day, observed on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, is an integral part of the Hajj pilgrimage and a day of spiritual reflection. It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) farewell sermon delivered near Mount Arafat, a location just outside Makkah.
In 2025, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5. Many Muslims who are not participating in Hajj choose to fast on this day as a preferred act of devotion, although fasting is not obligatory.
Upcoming UAE Holidays in 2025
Following Eid al-Adha, residents in the UAE will observe three key national holidays:
Hijri New Year (Muharram 1): One day, expected on June 26
Prophet’s Birthday (Rabi’ Al Awal 12): One day, expected on September 4
UAE National Day: Two days, December 2-3
These holidays offer further opportunities for reflection and celebration throughout the remainder of the year.
