Eid Al Adha, one of the most significant Islamic holidays, is set to approach soon. Celebrated by Muslims worldwide, the UAE is no exception, with public holidays estimated to be around 4 days. But since the days are based on the Islamic Hijri calendar, the exact dates will depend on moon sightings. Here’s what you should know.
Eid Al Adha falls during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month on the Islamic calendar. The exact timing will depend on moon sightings of the crescent moon. According to reports, this moon sighting is predicted to fall on Sunday, May 17, allowing Dhul Hijjah to begin on Monday, May 18. This means Arafah Day will begin on Tuesday, May 26, with Eid Al Adha following from Wednesday, May 28, to Friday, May 29, giving residents a 4-day break and a 6-day long weekend. However, if moon sightings shift and Dhul Hijjah begins on Tuesday, May 19, the days for Arafah Day and Eid al Adha will shift accordingly to Wednesday, May 27 onwards.
For the education sector, the UAE Ministry of Education have already announced the Eid al-Adha break, combining it with the mid-term break. Beginning from May 25 to 29, and with weekends falling on May 23 and 24 and on May 30 and 31, students, teachers, and other administrative staff are looking at a nine-day holiday break from classes.
