The UAE will celebrate its next public holiday in a month with the upcoming Eid Al Adha festival.
Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid Al Adha is a significant Islamic holiday observed worldwide. It marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, near Mecca, but is celebrated by Muslims globally. The holiday begins with communal prayers (ṣalāt) at daybreak on the first day, which falls on the 10th day of Dhū al-Ḥijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Eid Al Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. During this time, Muslims perform acts of charity, sacrifice animals (typically sheep), and gather with family and friends for celebration and gift-giving.
What are the tentative dates for Eid al-Adha this year?
The tentative dates for Eid al-Adha this year are around Sunday, June 16, or Monday, June 17, based on various astronomical calculations. However, the exact date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon. The Day of Arafat, which precedes Eid al-Adha, is expected to be observed on June 15. Public holidays for Eid al-Adha are tentatively scheduled from Monday, June 17, to Wednesday, June 19, subject to confirmation based on the moon sighting.
#UAE_Cabinet approves official holidays calendar for government and private sectors for year 2024 pic.twitter.com/HHtIQawNy8
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) November 21, 2023
Will Eid al-Adha holiday result in a long weekend?
For those with a Saturday-Sunday weekend, Eid al-Adha is likely to offer a five-day break, with work resuming on Thursday, June 20. UAE residents can anticipate public holidays from Monday, June 17 to Wednesday, June 19. To extend the break further, individuals might consider taking additional leave on Thursday, June 20, and Friday, June 21, resulting in a total of nine consecutive days off. However, it’s important to note that the confirmation of holiday dates depends on the sighting of the moon.
News Source: Gulf Business
