UAE confirms Eid Al Adha on June 6 after moon sighting

The United Arab Emirates will celebrate Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6, after the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul Hijjah was sighted on Tuesday evening, authorities confirmed.

With the first day of Dhul Hijjah beginning on Wednesday, May 28, the Day of Arafah will fall on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid Al Adha the next day, which corresponds to the 10th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.

As per the UAE Cabinet’s 2024 public holiday resolution, residents will enjoy a four-day break for Eid, starting from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, giving the country a long weekend.

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, meaning Islamic holidays shift annually against the Gregorian calendar. The official Eid dates are determined by moon sightings, a traditional practice that continues to guide religious observances across the region.

Ahead of the announcement, UAE authorities had called on residents to participate in observing the moon on the evening of May 27, urging them to report any sightings to the Crescent Sighting Committee.

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is the second of two major Islamic holidays and commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.