Eid Al Adha is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide, including the UAE. Marking a time of faith, sacrifice, and community, this festival holds special significance in the UAE, where it coincides with a public holiday and family celebrations. If you’re wondering about the Eid Al Adha 2025 UAE holidays, dates, and how it will impact work and school schedules, this comprehensive guide will provide all the details you need.
| Event | Islamic Date (Dhu Al Hijjah 1446) | Gregorian Date (2025) | Holiday Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start of Dhu Al Hijjah | 1 Dhu Al Hijjah | Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | — | Marks the beginning of the 12th lunar month |
| Arafat Day | 9 Dhu Al Hijjah | Thursday, June 5, 2025 | Public Holiday | Day before Eid, observed as a holiday in UAE |
| Eid Al Adha Day 1 | 10 Dhu Al Hijjah | Friday, June 6, 2025 | Public Holiday | First day of Eid celebrations |
| Eid Al Adha Day 2 | 11 Dhu Al Hijjah | Saturday, June 7, 2025 | Weekend (Non-working) | Weekend coinciding with Eid |
| Eid Al Adha Day 3 | 12 Dhu Al Hijjah | Sunday, June 8, 2025 | Weekend (Non-working) | Weekend coinciding with Eid |
What is Eid Al Adha?
Eid Al Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, God provided a ram as a substitute for the sacrifice, symbolizing faith and devotion.
The festival coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, making it a spiritually significant occasion for Muslims. In the UAE, Eid Al Adha is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, charitable giving, and the ritual sacrifice of livestock, such as sheep or goats. The meat from the sacrifice is shared among family, friends, and those in need.
Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates in UAE
The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, which means the exact dates of Eid Al Adha vary every year depending on moon sightings. For 2025, astronomical calculations suggest:
- Start of Dhu Al Hijjah: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
- Arafat Day (9th Dhu Al Hijjah): Thursday, June 5, 2025
- Eid Al Adha (10th to 12th Dhu Al Hijjah): Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8, 2025
While these dates are based on precise astronomical data, the UAE government will confirm the official start of Dhu Al Hijjah and the Eid holidays after the traditional moon sighting closer to the event.
Public Holidays for Eid Al Adha 2025 in the UAE
Each year, the UAE government designates four public holiday days for Eid Al Adha:
- 1 day for Arafat Day
- 3 days for Eid Al Adha
In 2025, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid Al Adha starting on Friday, June 6. However, this year the holiday period overlaps with the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), resulting in fewer working days off compared to previous years.
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Impact on holidays:
- Thursday, June 5 — Arafat Day (public holiday)
- Friday, June 6 — Eid Al Adha Day 1 (public holiday)
- Saturday & Sunday — Eid Days 2 and 3 (weekend)
This means most people will enjoy only two working days off for the Eid Al Adha holiday in 2025, unlike prior years when the festival fell midweek and offered longer breaks.
What to Expect During Eid Al Adha Holidays in UAE
Eid Al Adha is marked by numerous traditions and celebrations across the UAE:
- Special prayers: Performed in mosques and open spaces on Eid morning.
- Charitable giving: Sharing food and wealth with the less fortunate is a key part of the festival.
- Sacrifice rituals: Families perform the sacrificial slaughter of sheep, goats, or camels.
- Family gatherings: Relatives and friends come together to celebrate and share festive meals.
- Community spirit: Many mosques and organizations host events and distribute meat to those in need.
Despite the holiday’s shorter duration in 2025, the spirit of generosity and togetherness remains strong throughout the UAE.
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Impact on Schools and Workplaces
Many UAE schools face extended summer terms with limited breaks. Typically, the generous Eid Al Adha holidays provide a mid-term respite. However, due to the 2025 Eid falling on a weekend, most schools will only get two working days off.
Employers and employees should also note that Eid holidays cannot be shifted or rescheduled to create longer weekends, unlike other UAE public holidays. Businesses are advised to plan accordingly for staff leave and operational coverage.
Official Guidelines and Announcements
The UAE moon-sighting committee plays a critical role in officially confirming the start of Dhu Al Hijjah and the Eid holidays. Although astronomical predictions give a good estimate, the government’s official announcement remains the final authority.
It’s important for residents and businesses to stay updated with announcements from UAE authorities as Eid approaches.
Planning Ahead for Eid Al Adha 2025
If you are planning celebrations or trips during the Eid holiday, consider the following tips:
- Book flights and accommodations early, as the holiday period can be busy.
- Plan family gatherings and charitable activities in advance.
- Coordinate leave requests with employers, keeping in mind the shorter holiday duration.
- Stay informed about any official changes or updates from UAE authorities.
Conclusion
Eid Al Adha 2025 in the UAE is expected to bring a meaningful but shorter holiday period due to the overlap with the weekend. While Arafat Day and the first day of Eid will be public holidays on Thursday and Friday, many will have fewer days off compared to previous years.
Regardless of the holiday length, Eid Al Adha remains a deeply significant festival celebrating faith, sacrifice, and generosity. Stay tuned to official announcements for confirmation of the exact dates and make your plans accordingly to enjoy the festivities in the UAE.
