Residents of the UAE are preparing for a four-day holiday to commemorate Eid Al Adha, an important Islamic festival that goes beyond being just a public holiday. This event is observed the day after Arafah, recognized as the holiest day in Islam, and is filled with prayers, celebrations, and shared festive meals with family and friends.
The UAE government has announced a four-day public holiday for this occasion. It starts on Thursday, June 5 — the day of Arafah — and runs until Sunday, June 8. Eid Al Adha itself is celebrated on Friday, June 6. This year, the occasion bears special significance for Muslims as it coincides with Friday (Jumuah) prayers, resulting in both Eid and Jumuah prayers occurring on the same day, each accompanied by a sermon.
The UAE Fatwa Council has recently clarified that the Eid and Jumuah prayers will be held separately and at their designated times.
Keep up with the latest developments.
Khaleej Times evaluated the Hijri calendar from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre to calculate the timings for Eid Al Adha prayers for 2025. Based on their findings — as Eid prayers traditionally take place around 20 minutes after sunrise — the following timings have been established across the UAE. These have been confirmed following the official communication from the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat on June 5.
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Abu Dhabi: 5:50 am
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Dubai: 5:45 am
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Sharjah: 5:44 am
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Ajman: 5:44 am
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Umm Al Quwain: 5:43 am
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Ras Al Khaimah: 5:41 am
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Fujairah: 5:41 am
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Dhafra: 5:55 am
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Al Ain city: 5:43 am
What occurs on Eid Day?
On Eid morning, Muslims don their best attire and head to mosques or expansive outdoor prayer spaces called musallahs shortly after sunrise to perform the Eid prayer. These areas quickly become filled with men, women, children, and the elderly, all coming together for the communal prayer.
The prayer spaces typically open for the Fajr (dawn) prayer, with the Eid takbir (chants glorifying God) resonating from mosques until the special prayer begins. Following the prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon, and the celebrations commence — often beginning with warm embraces among family and friends.
An essential tradition of Eid Al Adha includes the sacrifice of livestock, which honors Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in submission to God. The meat is then distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, symbolizing charity, community spirit, and compassion.