Residents across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are preparing for a four-day break to celebrate Eid Al Adha, one of the most spiritually significant festivals in Islam.
Falling a day after Arafat Day, the holiest day in the Islamic calendar, Eid Al Adha is marked by prayers, communal gatherings, and festive meals with loved ones.
The UAE has officially announced a four-day public holiday on the occasion. The break will begin on Thursday, June 5 – coinciding with Arafat Day – and will continue until Sunday, June 8. Eid Al Adha itself will be observed on Friday, 6 June. This year, the occasion holds special importance as it coincides with Friday prayers, meaning both Eid and Jumu'ah prayers will be offered on the same day, each accompanied by its own sermon (khutbah).
The UAE Fatwa Council recently clarified that Eid and Jumu’ah prayers should be offered separately, each at its designated time.
Eid prayer times for 2025 across the UAE have been estimated, according to the Hijri calendar released by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.
The prayer is expected to begin at 5:50 AM in Abu Dhabi, 5:45 AM in Dubai, 5:44 AM in Sharjah and Ajman, 5:43 AM in Umm Al Quwain, and 5:41 AM in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
– Celebrations and Festivities –
In addition to prayers, fireworks displays and various cultural events are expected, including at venues such as the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi.
