Dubai, April 5, 2025: UAE residents are eager to enjoy the upcoming Eid Al Adha public holiday since it is a four-day weekend. When this significant Muslim festival begins on June 5, 2025, and continues through to June 8, government and private sector employees get to take a break and unwind.
Eid Al Adha or the festival of sacrifice is one of Islam’s largest festivals. The festival celebrates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice a son in obedience to God. The festival is marked with prayers, sharing of food with friends and relatives and the poor and gathering with friends and loved ones. For the people of the UAE, the festival is one in which people are spiritually rejuvenated as well as get an extra break from work.
Dates and Predictions for Eid Al Adha 2025
June 5 Arafat Day has been forecast to be a Thursday by astronomers. Arafat Day occurs on the 9th of Dhu Al Hijja in theIslamic calendar and is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage. The Eid Al Adha celebration starts on the next day, or on the 10th of Dhu Al Hijja. It has traditionally continued for three days but this year it conveniently falls within the weekend time frame in the UAE.
If these predictions hold true:
- Arafat Day: Thursday, June 5
- Eid Al Adha: Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8
This timeline gives UAE residents two official public holidays (Thursday and Friday) followed by Saturday and Sunday as part of their regular weekend. Employees across both public and private sectors will enjoy four consecutive days off.
Holiday Schedule
| Day | Event | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Arafat Day | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Eid Al Adha Begins | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Eid Al Adha | Regular Weekend |
| Sunday | Eid Al Adha Ends | Regular Weekend |
Residents can expect to return to work on Monday, June 9.
The government of the UAE normally declares official public holidays near the time of the celebration once moon sightings are validated. Astronomers’ forecasts are normally correct, however, and thus people can plan their vacations or celebration well in advance.
Significance of Eid Al Adha in the UAE
Eid Al Adha is of significant religious significance to Muslims worldwide. It is in gratitude to the strong faith and belief of Prophet Ibrahim in God’s will when he was to sacrifice his son. God put in place of the son a ram as thanksgiving for being ready to practice devotion to Him. Eid Adha is observed in the tradition of Qurbani (animal sacrifice) during which Muslims sacrifice an animal like a sheep or goat and share all the meat with their relatives, neighbors, and the poor.
Eid Al Adha is observed in the UAE with much excitement. People gather in families to prepare some of the special items and give it to their families. Prayers in mosques in the early morning are the start of the celebration. People also donate food or money to those who are less fortunate during these days as an exercise in kindness and charity.
Key traditions during Eid Al Adha include:
- Performing prayers at mosques early in the morning.
- Sharing meals with family and friends.
- Sacrificing animals at designated abattoirs.
- Donating portions of meat to those in need.
For many Muslims in the UAE, it is also an opportunity to embark on a Hajj trip. Hajj is one of Islam’s five pillars and has to be fulfilled once in a lifetime by those who are financially and physically qualified.
What Makes Eid Special?
- Time spent with loved ones strengthens family bonds.
- Acts of charity help foster community spirit.
- Spiritual reflection brings peace and gratitude.
A Perfect Opportunity for Relaxation
The four-day weekend provides the residents with an opportunity to relax or plan their trips. Some families might utilize this extra break to visit nearby places or other countries. Hotels and resorts throughout the UAE are likely to introduce exclusive offers during this time.
For those who are staying indoors during Eid Al Adha, public activities like fireworks shows, cultural festivals, and shopping festivals will likely boost the festive mood. Malls extend their opening times during Eid Al Adha with sales on different items. Restaurants also plan special menus with traditional food items to be served to families in celebration.
Ideas for Residents During Eid
- Attend morning prayers at local mosques.
- Host family gatherings with traditional foods.
- Visit parks or beaches for outdoor fun.
- Explore cultural events organized across cities.
- Take advantage of travel deals for short vacations.
These residents can also spend their time volunteering or donating to charity or organizations in underprivileged societies during Eid Al Adha. This is a sign of the giving spirit that characterizes this festival.
Travel Plans During Eid
Most residents are to take their four consecutive days off work and embark on vacations either within or outside the nation. Oman and Saudi Arabia are some of the best close-by options with religious significance during Eid Al Adha. Airlines historically issue special fare promotions during the period to accommodate additional traffic from tourists.
Local beaches in Dubai or landmarks in Abu Dhabi such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or museums in Sharjah are all good options with plenty of things to do in easy reach. Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah resorts are even close enough to be driven to in their entirety.
Conclusion
UAE residents can look forward to celebrating Eid Al Adha with a much-deserved four-day break starting on June 5 in 2025. The celebration not only provides individuals with some time off to relax but also with the learning of values through faith, kindness, and civic-mindedness. With calculations well in line with predictions, families are able to plan their celebration or trip far in advance.
As always, Eid Al Adha will be a time of joy and unity in the UAE a country which brings all its diverse traditions together in celebrating with its people. Whether in prayer or acts of charity or spending some quality time with dear ones close to one’s heart, this celebration has something positive in it for everyone involved.
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