UAE residents could be in for a four-day weekend this June, as Eid Al Adha 2025 is expected to start on Friday, June 6, according to leading astronomical predictions. The International Astronomical Centre forecasts the crescent moon will likely be visible on May 27, marking the start of Dhul Hijjah.
This observation is crucial because it determines the timing of Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, a significant religious holiday observed by Muslims worldwide.
When is Eid Al Adha 2025? It all depends on the moon
According to the IAC, May 27 is the probable date for spotting the crescent moon that marks the start of Dhul Hijjah. Engineer Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, the director of the IAC, explained that the moon will be visible with a telescope from parts of Central and Western Asia, most of Africa, and Europe, and could also be visible with the naked eye in the Americas.
Astronomers say that in Abu Dhabi, the moon will set 38 minutes after sunset, at an age of 13 hours and 29 minutes, positioned about 7.7 degrees from the sun—making it visible only by telescope. In Makkah, the moon sets 39 minutes after sunset and is 8.1 degrees away from the sun, increasing its visibility.
If astronomers confirm the crescent on May 27, Dhul Hijjah 1 will start on May 28, with Arafat Day on June 5 and Eid Al Adha on June 6.
If the moon isn’t visible, Dhul Hijjah will start on May 29, shifting Arafat Day to June 6 and Eid Al Adha to June 7.
Public holidays in the UAE
In line with the UAE Cabinet resolution, Arafat Day and the following three days of Eid Al Adha (Dhul Hijjah 10–12) are official public holidays. That means UAE residents are set for a four-day break—either from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, or from Friday, June 6 to Monday, June 9.
Either way, it’s shaping up to be a well-timed long weekend that many are already planning around. Travel companies offer holiday packages from Dh1,999, ideal for staycations or overseas trips.
Why does the Eid Al Adha date shift every year?
Eid Al Adha follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the moon’s cycles rather than the solar calendar used in the West. Each Islamic month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, making it roughly 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
This lunar calculation is why Eid Al Adha moves earlier each year and why exact dates can’t be confirmed until the moon is officially seen—despite astronomical predictions offering close estimates.
The sighting has religious significance for Muslims observing Hajj, fasting, and sacrifice.
Eid Al Adha and its importance
Eid Al Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is the second of two major Islamic festivals and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Instead, God provided a ram to be sacrificed, and today, Muslims around the world observe the holiday by:
- Performing the Eid prayer in congregation
- Sacrificing animals (goat, sheep, cow) and distributing the meat to the needy
- Spending time with family and friends
- Sharing festive meals and giving gifts
It also marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
UAE residents are already planning their breaks
With the possibility of a four-day break on the horizon, UAE residents have started planning early. From booking last-minute travel to exploring local Eid events, the anticipation is high. Schools and workplaces plan to offer additional leave around the holiday, further extending the vacation.
Hotels and resorts are preparing Eid packages, brunches, and activities to attract locals and tourists.
Final confirmation will follow moon sighting
While astronomers offer detailed predictions based on moon age, angle, and distance from the sun, official confirmation of Eid Al Adha 2025 will come from the UAE’s moon sighting committee, likely on the evening of May 27.
Until then, the nation watches the skies—and plans accordingly.
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