As the summer heat builds up across the UAE, there’s something even more exciting on the horizon — the much-anticipated Eid ul Adha holidays. If the stars (and moons) align as expected, UAE residents could be in for a delightful four-day break starting Friday, June 6.
According to the latest astronomical predictions shared by the Emirates Astronomy Society, the holy festival of Eid ul Adha is likely to fall on that Friday, giving everyone a golden opportunity to rest, celebrate, and spend precious time with family.
Mark Your Calendars: May 27 is the Key
The beginning of Dhu al Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is tied directly to the sighting of the crescent moon. And that sighting, expected on May 27, is what sets the entire chain of events into motion.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, announced that the crescent moon should appear in the early morning hours at around 7:02 AM UAE time. If weather conditions are favorable, the crescent will linger in the sky for about 38 minutes after sunset, making it highly visible to anyone watching the evening skies.
If all goes as forecasted, May 28 will officially kick off Dhu al Hijjah, putting us on track for the Day of Arafah on Thursday, June 5, and Eid ul Adha celebrations on Friday, June 6. For those living in the UAE, this is more than just an important religious occasion — it’s a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The UAE’s public holiday calendar indicates that the 9th to 12th of Dhu al Hijjah will be official holidays, translating into a four-day break.
And here’s the cherry on top: because Eid is expected to fall on a Friday, residents will also benefit from the regular Saturday-Sunday weekend. In short, it’s the perfect setup for a long, relaxing holiday!
Think about it — four full days to travel, unwind, or just enjoy simple pleasures like lazy mornings, family barbecues, or beach outings. It’s hard not to get excited.
But, A Small Catch…
As with all Islamic holidays, nothing is 100% official until the moon is actually sighted. Astronomical forecasts are predictions, not guarantees. If, for some reason, the crescent moon isn’t spotted on May 27, the start of Dhu al Hijjah would shift by a day.
In that case, Dhu al Hijjah would begin on May 29 instead of May 28, and Eid ul Adha would then fall on Saturday, June 7.
The good news?
Residents would still get four public holidays. The only difference is that the break would stretch from Saturday to Tuesday, slightly missing the usual weekend magic but still offering a wonderful escape from routine life.
So, whether Eid starts on a Friday or a Saturday, the four-day holiday is practically locked in. It’s a win either way!
The Deeper Meaning Behind Eid ul Adha
While everyone looks forward to the time off, shopping deals, and family feasts, it’s important to pause and remember why Eid ul Adha holds such deep significance.
Known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” Eid ul Adha commemorates the timeless Qur’anic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) incredible test of faith. As the story goes, he was asked by God to sacrifice his beloved son. At the very last moment, God, pleased with Ibrahim’s obedience, replaced the son with a ram to be sacrificed instead.
This act of devotion is honored by Muslims worldwide through prayers, sacrifices, and acts of charity.
During Eid, Muslim families perform the ritual sacrifice of livestock such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels. The meat is then divided into three parts:
- One third for the family,
- One third for relatives and friends,
- And one third for the poor and needy.
It’s a time that beautifully blends faith, gratitude, humility, and generosity.
Eid in the UAE: A Unique Experience
Celebrating Eid ul Adha in the UAE is an experience like no other. From early morning prayer gatherings at mosques and outdoor spaces to lively family brunches and gift exchanges, the spirit of community is felt in every corner.
Malls will soon be dazzling with Eid sales. Traditional souks will be abuzz with last-minute shoppers hunting for new clothes, gifts, and special sweets like baklava and maamoul.
Families will start prepping favorite dishes — biryani, harees, grilled meats, and kunafa — filling homes with delicious aromas. Kids, dressed in sparkling new outfits, will be busy collecting Eidiya (money gifts) from elders with wide grins on their faces.
And let’s not forget, many residents will also take this opportunity to travel. With four days in hand, mini-vacations to nearby gems like Salalah in Oman, Maldives, Georgia, or even a staycation in Ras Al Khaimah’s luxury resorts will be a tempting prospect.
Eid Etiquette: Small Acts, Big Impact
As we celebrate, let’s also remember the true spirit of Eid by practicing kindness and generosity:
- Visit or call loved ones you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Donate clothes or food to charity drives.
- Be patient during traffic rushes or long queues — everyone is trying to enjoy the holiday spirit.
Small gestures like these truly light up the occasion, making it more meaningful for everyone around us.
Some Practical Tips for the Holidays
Before the holiday madness kicks in, here are a few smart tips to make your Eid stress-free:
- Plan your travel early: Flights and hotel bookings fill up fast.
- Shop ahead of time: Avoid last-minute rush and inflated prices.
- Check public service timings: Banks, government offices, and malls may have altered working hours.
- Stay hydrated: June in the UAE can be seriously hot! Carry water if you’re out and about.
- Be mindful of COVID-19 guidelines (if any are still in place): Safety first.
The Final Word
Whether you’re staying put in the UAE or jetting off for a quick vacation, this upcoming Eid ul Adha promises not just a much-needed break, but a chance to reconnect with your faith, your family, and yourself.
So, mark your calendars, start making plans, and get ready for a wonderful four-day celebration filled with love, laughter, and lots of delicious food.
