UAE: Eid Al Adha Holiday and Moon Sighting Explained
Residents of the UAE are gearing up for a long weekend in mid-June to celebrate the Islamic festival of Eid Al Adha. The exact duration of the holiday will be determined by the moon-sighting process on Thursday, June 6. Depending on the sighting, residents could enjoy either a four or five-day break.
Eid Al Adha, one of the holiest days in Islam, is marked by Arafah Day and the subsequent three days of the festival. The Hijri calendar, which is lunar-based, dictates the timing of these events. Islamic months begin with the sighting of the crescent moon, and for Dhul Hijjah—the month of Eid Al Adha—the sighting will take place on the 29th of Dhul Qa’adah, which corresponds to June 6.
Possible Scenarios for the Eid Break:
1. Moon Sighted on June 6:
- Dhul Hijjah begins on June 7.
- Arafah Day falls on June 15 (Dhul Hijjah 9).
- Eid Al Adha begins on June 16 (Dhul Hijjah 10).
- Holiday from Saturday, June 15, to Tuesday, June 18.
- This provides residents with two weekdays off in addition to the weekend.
2. Moon Not Sighted on June 6:
- Dhul Hijjah begins on June 8.
- Arafah Day falls on June 16 (Dhul Hijjah 9).
- Eid Al Adha begins on June 17 (Dhul Hijjah 10).
- Holiday from Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19.
- This results in a five-day break, including the weekend starting on June 15.
Astronomical predictions suggest the moon is unlikely to be sighted on June 6, hinting at a five-day break for UAE residents.
For many, this break comes just before the summer school holidays, prompting plans for extended vacations. Travel demand is high, leading to increased airfares. Musafir, an online travel agency, notes a surge in interest for destinations with easy visa requirements. Meanwhile, travel app Wego has reported airfare hikes up to 64% for some destinations.
Travel experts advise those seeking cost-effective travel to consider August, as peak travel times during Eid and the start of summer holidays tend to be more expensive.
This much-anticipated break offers UAE residents a chance to celebrate, relax, and travel before the sweltering summer fully sets in.
By: Sahiba Suri
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