Here's how the special day unfolds for the country's faithful.
In addition to the extended weekend in the UAE, Eid Al Adha holds profound spiritual importance for Muslims. Following the holiest day in Islam, the day of Arafah, this festival unites friends and families in prayer, celebration, and communal feasting.
This year, both private and public sector employees will benefit from four paid holidays to honor the festival, from Saturday, June 15, to Tuesday, June 18.
Eid Al Adha falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month Dhul Hijjah, which this year coincides with Sunday, June 16. On this auspicious day, Muslims dress in their finest clothes and gather in mosques and large open areas known as musallahs shortly after sunrise for special prayers. These places quickly fill with worshippers of all ages, including men, women, children, and the elderly.
Usually, prayer spaces remain open from the Fajr prayer, with the melodious Eid takbirs echoing from mosques until the special prayer begins. The prayer timings in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah have been determined based on various sources.
Eid Prayer Timings
Abu Dhabi
According to the interactive e-calendar published by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.
- Abu Dhabi City - 5:50 am
- Al Ain - 5:44 am
Dubai
According to the Hijri calendar published by Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai.
Time - 5:45 am
Sharjah
According to the Hijri calendar published by the Sharjah Islamic Affairs Department.
Time - 5:44 am
How the Eid prayer is offered
The Eid prayer is performed in congregation, consisting of two units (raka’ah). In the first unit, the imam leads the worshippers with several takbirs before reciting the surah Fatiha and another chapter from the Quran. Similar takbirs are made during the second unit, after which the imam delivers a two-part sermon concluding the prayer.
Following the sermon, Muslims embrace loved ones, exchanging wishes of Eid Mubarak and beginning the day's celebrations.
News Source: Khaleej times
