UAE residents have recently returned to their regular routines after a period of reduced work hours during Ramadan and a 9-day break to celebrate Eid Al Fitr. While the year’s longest holiday has ended, another extended break is just weeks away. This upcoming holiday will likely span five days in the second week of June, honoring the holiest day in Islam, Arafah Day, and the Eid Al Adha festival.
Eid Al Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, falls approximately two months and a few days after Eid Al Fitr according to the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact dates for the break will be confirmed closer to the time, based on moon sightings and astronomical calculations. As per the current predictions, Arafah Day is expected to fall on Sunday, June 16, and Eid Al Adha on Monday, June 17. The public holiday will likely extend from Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19, including the weekend starting Saturday, June 15.
Eid Al Adha is one of the most important occasions in the Islamic faith, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. It serves as a reminder of the values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion that are central to Islamic teachings.
On Eid Al Adha, the day begins with communal prayers at mosques, where Muslims come together to seek blessings and guidance. Following the prayers, people exchange greetings, embrace each other, and express joy and gratitude. Traditional meals are prepared to symbolize the abundance and generosity of God’s blessings.
The main event of Eid Al Adha is the Qurbani, or the act of sacrificing an animal, which represents Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) devotion to Allah. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three portions: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the less fortunate in the community. This act of giving reinforces the importance of compassion and generosity towards others, which are core values of the Islamic faith.
