UAE announced the possible date of Eid-ul-Azha

Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, is expected to fall on Friday, June 6, 2025. According to astronomical forecasts released by the Emirates Astronomy Society this week.

The crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar, is expected to be visible on May 27, making May 28 the first day of the month.

The announcement was made by Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, who noted that the crescent will appear on May 27 and will remain visible for approximately 38 minutes after sunset, allowing for its likely sighting that evening. Should the astronomical forecast hold, the Day of Arafah, a day of fasting and reflection observed on the 9th of Dhu Al Hijjah, will fall on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid-ul-Azha on Friday, June 6.

In line with the UAE's official public holiday calendar, the break for Arafah Day and Eid-ul-Azha spans from the 9th to the 12th of Dhu Al Hijjah (Islamic year 1445 AH), equivalent to four days of public holiday. If the crescent is not visible on May 27, the start of Dhu Al Hijjah would be delayed to May 29, making Eid-ul-Azha fall on Saturday, June 7 instead of Friday.

Eid-ul-Azha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” commemorates the Qur’anic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, a test of faith that was divinely interrupted and replaced with a ram.

The occasion is celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, and charitable acts, including the ritual sacrifice of livestock, with the meat distributed to relatives, friends, and the underprivileged.

The festival also coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, an annual journey to Mecca undertaken by millions of Muslims around the world. Eid-ul-Azha is the second of two major Islamic holidays, the first being Eid Al Fitr, which follows the month of Ramadan.