Eid Al Adha 2025: UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Reveal Tentative Holiday Dates Based on Moon Sighting
As Muslims across the globe prepare for one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar, Gulf nations have announced their expected holiday schedules for Eid Al Adha 2025, based on astronomical calculations. While official dates will be confirmed after crescent moon sightings, current projections suggest the festival will begin on Friday, June 6 in most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Here’s a country-wise breakdown of the expected dates and holiday periods:
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In the UAE, Eid Al Adha is likely to fall on Friday, June 6, 2025, with Arafat Day expected on Thursday, June 5. These dates are based on projections from Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Emirates Astronomical Society.
According to Al Jarwan, Dhu Al Hijjah is expected to begin on May 28, following the sighting of the crescent moon on May 27. The UAE typically declares 3–4 days of public holiday, so residents could enjoy a long weekend from June 5 to June 8.
Qatar
Qatar’s Eid Al Adha holidays will span five days, starting from the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijjah, which corresponds to Thursday, June 5, and extending to Monday, June 9, based on current predictions.
Qatar’s Moon Sighting Committee will meet on May 27 to confirm the start of the Islamic month. If the crescent moon is sighted, Dhu Al Hijjah will begin on May 28; if not, it will start on May 29.
As per Khaleej Times, the public sector will observe holidays from Dhu Al Hijjah 9 to 13, but dates are subject to final moon sighting confirmation.
Kuwait
In Kuwait, astronomical forecasts suggest that Eid Al Adha will be observed on Friday, June 6. The Al Ojairi Scientific Centre stated that the crescent moon will be born at dawn on May 27 and will be visible for 43 minutes after sunset on May 28.
Consequently, Kuwait is expected to declare holidays from Thursday, June 5 to Monday, June 9, giving residents an extended break to celebrate the holy occasion.
Saudi Arabia
As the host of Islam’s two holiest sites, Saudi Arabia sets the standard for religious observances in the region. According to current astronomical estimates, Arafat Day will fall on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6.
However, final confirmation will be based on official moon sighting reports from the Kingdom’s Supreme Court, traditionally released closer to the date.
Why the Dates May Still Change
While astronomical predictions offer guidance, Eid Al Adha dates are officially determined by the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.
Religious authorities in each country will confirm the moon sighting either on May 27 or May 28, following which the holiday dates will be officially declared.
What Is Eid Al Adha?
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. It coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and is marked by communal prayers, festive meals, and the ritual sacrifice of livestock, which is then distributed to the poor.
With Eid Al Adha 2025 just weeks away, families and businesses across the Gulf are preparing for what could be one of the longest public holiday weekends of the year. While current projections place the start of Eid on June 6, final dates will only be confirmed after moon sighting committees meet later this month.
Stay updated with TheTrendingPeople.com for real-time Eid announcements, moon sighting updates, and public holiday news across the GCC.