UAE and Saudi Arabia Confirm Eid Al Adha Celebrations Begin June 6, 2025
The sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon marks the commencement of Eid Al Adha festivities across several countries.
On May 27, 2025, the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah was officially sighted in both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, confirming that the first day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah will commence on May 28. As a result, Eid Al Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, will be celebrated on June 6, 2025. This festival is one of the two main Islamic holidays and holds substantial cultural and religious significance.
In Saudi Arabia, officials announced that Arafah Day, which is the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, will be observed on June 5. The sighting of the moon plays a crucial role in determining the Islamic calendar, which is lunar-based and causes significant Islamic dates to shift by approximately 11 days each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.
The holiday marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place in Mecca during this month.
The Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE’s Presidential Court issued a statement congratulating the President, the Vice President, and the citizens, extending best wishes for the occasion and expressing hope for blessings and prosperity.
Observations for the crescent moon were conducted at various locations, including the Al Khatm Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi, where images were captured showcasing the moon at varying degrees of separation from the sun as the day progressed.
Eid Al Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, highlighting themes of faith, sacrifice, and community.
It is common for Muslims to engage in prayers, gather with family, and perform acts of charity during this time.
Livestock, including goats and sheep, are often slaughtered in observance of the festival as a traditional practice of sharing and celebration.
Countries across the Islamic world prepare for the festival with various traditions.
The anticipation for Eid celebrations extends beyond the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with countries such as Pakistan and Indonesia also participating in moon sightings to announce their own observance dates.
Notably, Malaysia has scheduled its Eid celebrations for June 7, 2025, while residents of some nations expect a holiday break of up to five days to honor the festival.
Preparations, ranging from festive decorations to travel arrangements, are underway as communities engage in the 1446 AH celebrations.
In Saudi Arabia, officials announced that Arafah Day, which is the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, will be observed on June 5. The sighting of the moon plays a crucial role in determining the Islamic calendar, which is lunar-based and causes significant Islamic dates to shift by approximately 11 days each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.
The holiday marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, which takes place in Mecca during this month.
The Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE’s Presidential Court issued a statement congratulating the President, the Vice President, and the citizens, extending best wishes for the occasion and expressing hope for blessings and prosperity.
Observations for the crescent moon were conducted at various locations, including the Al Khatm Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi, where images were captured showcasing the moon at varying degrees of separation from the sun as the day progressed.
Eid Al Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, highlighting themes of faith, sacrifice, and community.
It is common for Muslims to engage in prayers, gather with family, and perform acts of charity during this time.
Livestock, including goats and sheep, are often slaughtered in observance of the festival as a traditional practice of sharing and celebration.
Countries across the Islamic world prepare for the festival with various traditions.
The anticipation for Eid celebrations extends beyond the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with countries such as Pakistan and Indonesia also participating in moon sightings to announce their own observance dates.
Notably, Malaysia has scheduled its Eid celebrations for June 7, 2025, while residents of some nations expect a holiday break of up to five days to honor the festival.
Preparations, ranging from festive decorations to travel arrangements, are underway as communities engage in the 1446 AH celebrations.
Translation:
Translated by AI
