Eid Al-Adha 2025 to Begin on June 6 in UAE

Eid Al-Adha 2025 is expected to coincide with Friday, June 6th, marking one of the most significant religious holidays for Muslims around the world. The announcement was made by Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Emirates Astronomy Society, offering key insights into this year’s celebration and its alignment with the Hajj pilgrimage. His statement sheds light on the Islamic lunar calendar and outlines the expected public holiday duration in the UAE.

The confirmation of Eid Al-Adha’s date holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing the completion of Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and ushering in a period of reflection, prayer, and celebration. To fully appreciate the importance of this holiday, it’s vital to understand how it fits within the broader Islamic calendar and traditions.

Key Dates and Duration of the Eid Al-Adha Holiday

According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Eid Al-Adha in 2025 will commence on Friday, June 6th, corresponding to the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, which is the second major day of Eid celebrations. The holiday is expected to span four days, beginning from the Day of Arafah on Thursday, June 5th and ending on Sunday, June 8th.

These days include the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah, a period dedicated to communal prayers, animal sacrifice, and charitable giving. Al Jarwan emphasized that the Day of Arafah, a cornerstone of the Islamic calendar and the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, will fall on Thursday, June 5th. On this day, millions of pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat, seeking forgiveness and divine blessings through deep worship and reflection.

Hajj Season and the First Day of Dhul Hijjah

The Hajj pilgrimage—an annual obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able—is set to begin on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025. This day marks the Day of Tarwiyah, the first official day of Hajj, during which pilgrims travel to Mina and begin their spiritual journey.

Al Jarwan confirmed that Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, will be the first day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the holiest. This day signals the start of the Hajj season and leads up to the Day of Sacrifice on Eid Al-Adha, falling on Friday, June 6th. This sacred month is a time of deep devotion, marked by prayer, pilgrimage, and acts of compassion.

Celebrating Eid Al-Adha: A Global Expression of Faith

Eid Al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most revered events in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the profound story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who showed his willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il in obedience to God’s command. In a divine intervention, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed instead, symbolizing divine mercy and obedience.

As part of this remembrance, Muslims around the world participate in the ritual animal sacrifice—typically of a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat is distributed in three parts: one-third for the poor and needy, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the household. This practice emphasizes Islamic values of charity, unity, and gratitude.

The Role of Public Holidays During Eid Al-Adha

Eid Al-Adha is not only a spiritual event but also a time for community bonding and family togetherness. In the UAE and other Muslim-majority countries, the holiday period allows people to take time off from work and school to participate in religious rites and celebrations.

As per Al Jarwan’s announcement, the UAE’s public holiday for Eid Al-Adha in 2025 is expected to last from Thursday, June 5th to Sunday, June 8th, covering four days. During this time, government offices, businesses, and schools are generally closed to enable people to attend Eid prayers, perform sacrifices, and spend quality time with family and friends. It is also an opportunity to renew faith and engage in acts of generosity and reflection.

Eid Al-Adha in the UAE: Community and Cultural Spirit

In the UAE, Eid Al-Adha is celebrated with great enthusiasm and togetherness. Mosques across the nation host large public prayers, while cultural events and charity drives are organized to share the joy with others. Expatriates and citizens alike participate in the festivities, reflecting the UAE’s multicultural and inclusive spirit.

The government often hosts public events and supports community initiatives during this time, reinforcing the country’s values of solidarity, generosity, and faith. Many UAE residents also take the opportunity to contribute to charity organizations, both locally and internationally.

Conclusion

Eid Al-Adha is far more than just a religious holiday—it is a unifying force that brings together Muslims worldwide in faith, worship, and compassion. As Eid Al-Adha 2025 approaches, Muslims will engage in traditions passed down through generations, from prayer and sacrifice to charity and celebration.

With the holiday expected to begin on Friday, June 6th, and public holidays lasting from June 5–8, families across the UAE and the broader Muslim world will unite in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion, embracing the values that continue to define the Islamic faith.