The United Arab Emirates officially declared that Eid Al Adha 2025 would be celebrated on Friday, June 6, after the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu Al Hijjah on Tuesday evening, May 27. The sighting is the start of Dhu Al Hijjah on Wednesday, May 28, which means Arafat Day—the holiest day of Hajj—would fall on Thursday, June 5.
The news was announced by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee, which met following Maghrib prayers to verify the sighting of the crescent moon. The decision made by the committee made the UAE follow Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting announcement, as both nations have regional visibility and have traditionally celebrated Eid on the same days.
Eid Al Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and willingness to offer his son as a sacrifice unto God. In the UAE, the day is celebrated with special prayers, animal sacrifice, charity, and big gatherings of family. Public holidays usually range from Arafat Day until the third day of Eid.
With the official date declared, UAE residents are already getting ready for festive festivities, travel, and philanthropic efforts. This also includes expected public holidays, with travel destinations already seeing increased bookings as families make Eid plans final.
