Will UAE Residents Get 4 or 5 Days Off for Eid Al Adha 2024?
- Publish date: Thursday، 06 June 2024 | Last update: Tuesday، 10 December 2024
- Related articles
- Dhul Hijjah Moon Sighted in the UAE!
- Eid Al Adha Predicted Start Date: UAE's Next Public Holiday
- Arafat Day is Expected to Fall on June 27th in UAE
UAE residents are set to enjoy a long weekend for the Islamic festival of Eid Al Adha, which falls in mid-June. The exact duration of the holiday will be determined by the moon-sighting process on Thursday, June 6.
Read More: Eid Al Adha Customs and Traditions in UAE
Moon-sighting Process and Holiday Dates
The Islamic calendar, or Hijri calendar, is based on lunar cycles. The start and end of each month are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. For Eid Al Adha, most Arab countries, including the UAE, will observe the moon on the 29th of Dhul Qa’adah, the current Hijri month.
Scenario 1: Moon Sighted on June6
If the moon is seen on June 6, the month of Dhul Hijjah will begin on June 7. Consequently, Arafah Day will be on June 15, and Eid Al Adha will follow on June 16. Residents will enjoy a holiday from Saturday, June 15, to Tuesday, June 18, resulting in two weekdays off.
Scenario 2: Moon Not Sighted on June6
If the moon is not spotted on June 6, Dhul Hijjah will start on June 8. Arafah Day will be on June 16, and Eid Al Adha will be on June 17. The holiday period will then extend from Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19, giving residents a five-day break including the preceding weekend.
Astronomical Predictions
Astronomical calculations suggest that the moon is unlikely to be sighted on June 6. Therefore, UAE residents can likely expect a five-day holiday, from June 15 to June 19, for the Eid Al Adha celebrations.