UAE as authorities officially announced the call for the moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah.
The UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee has urged residents and relevant observatories to look for the crescent moon on the evening of Monday, May 27, which corresponds to the 29th day of Dhul Qa’dah in the Hijri calendar. This traditional method of determining Islamic dates is a cherished part of cultural and religious observance in the region, heralding the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah — the twelfth and final month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
If the moon is sighted on the specified evening, Dhul Hijjah will commence the following day, marking the countdown to Eid Al Adha. In that case, Eid would begin on Friday, June 6, 2025, aligning with the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. The UAE is expected to observe a four-day public holiday starting from the day of Arafah — Thursday, June 5 — through to Sunday, June 8, allowing residents and citizens a long weekend to celebrate, travel, or gather with family and friends. Should the moon not be sighted on May 27, the start of Dhul Hijjah and Eid may be delayed by a day, as is customary in lunar calendar adjustments.
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command — a story revered in Islamic tradition and echoed in the Judeo-Christian narrative. In observance of this event, Muslims around the world engage in special prayers, community gatherings, and the ritual sacrifice of livestock, such as sheep, goats, or cows, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and those in need. The festival is both a spiritual celebration and a profound act of charity and gratitude.
As with every year, the UAE’s General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, along with local Islamic scholars, will participate in the moon sighting on May 27. The committee will announce the result shortly after sunset, which will then determine the official start of the Eid Al Adha festivities. The sighting will be coordinated with neighboring Gulf and Muslim-majority countries to ensure regional alignment, although exact dates can differ slightly depending on local sightings and religious authorities.
In preparation for the holiday, UAE government departments, schools, and businesses across the country are beginning to plan accordingly. Many companies are adjusting work schedules and announcing closure dates in advance. Travel agencies and airlines are reporting a surge in inquiries and bookings, as many UAE residents use the Eid break as an opportunity to travel, particularly to cooler destinations or to visit family abroad. Meanwhile, shopping centers, hospitality venues, and entertainment hubs are gearing up with special offers, family events, and themed decor to mark the festive period.
Beyond the holiday logistics in UAE, the moon sighting remains a cherished cultural moment, particularly among older generations who fondly recall gathering on rooftops or in open deserts to spot the crescent moon with the naked eye. In modern times, this tradition has been complemented by telescopes, astronomical calculations, and digital imaging technology, but the human element remains a vital part of the religious and communal experience.
Mosques across the UAE will begin preparing for Eid prayers, which are typically held in large congregational areas, open spaces, or purpose-built prayer grounds known as musallas. Special arrangements are made to accommodate thousands of worshippers, with safety, cleanliness, and accessibility a top priority. Authorities usually deploy volunteers and police officers to help manage crowds and ensure smooth traffic flow on the morning of the Eid prayer.
As the holy days draw near, charitable organizations also begin ramping up their activities. The practice of Qurbani, or sacrifice, is organized through both local and international aid agencies, allowing residents to purchase livestock and have it distributed to the less fortunate. These acts of charity are considered one of the pillars of Eid Al Adha and are widely encouraged in the spirit of community and compassion.
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