Eid Al Adha is one of the Islamic festivals observed in the UAE. Every family and community celebrates the day annually by engaging in religious activities and organizing feasts. With the observance specifics (public holidays, prayer timings, and holidays), locals and expats can plan celebrations accordingly. This guide has you covered, from centuries-old traditions to Vegas-style grandeur in Dubai (and elsewhere), for anyone who wants to start planning for Eid Al Adha in 2025. Let’s delve into the details.
What is Eid Al Adha?
Eid Al Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of two Islamic holidays observed by Muslims all around the world. It is a remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) readiness to sacrifice his son, in obedience to God. But God provided a ram for it to be sacrificed instead. On Eid Al Adha, Muslims follow the tradition of Qurbani (sacrifice of an animal like a sheep, goat , or cow). The preserved meat is then distributed among family, friends, and those in need. It’s a season of prayer, reflection , and giving to the less fortunate, a unifying occasion of celebration across communities.
The Significance of Eid Al Adha 2025
Eid Al Adha commemorates the biblical tale of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in response to Allah’s command. At the very last second, God switched to what extent can you be said to switch, being. God stands outside of time’Ismail with a ram, a gesture. which signified mercy and the supremacy of faith and loyalty.
Pious Muslims around the world commemorate this supreme act of sacrifice annually by slaughtering goats or sheep. A section of a cow or a camel, and the meat is shared among friends, neighbors, and the needy. The meat is then divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the less fortunate.
Official Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates in the UAE
Eid Al Adha 2025 date in the UAE should start in the evening of Sunday, 8th June 2025 on the Arafat Day (9th Zilhaj). The days will be confirmed after the moon sighting in the UAE following Islamic rituals. It is usually a time for family get-togethers, prayers and travel; usually 3-4 days in the UAE. It’s recommended to monitor the local news and official statements for the final holiday schedule and prayer timings.
Public Holidays and Work Schedule
Public holidays of 3 or 4 days, which will be announced according to the Arafat Day, are anticipated for Eid Al Adha 2025 in the UAE. The Public and private sector employees usually have time off as well. But days can vary, depending on the official moon sighting. Schools and public sector offices are typically shut as hundreds of thousands of residents leave the country for family reunions elsewhere. Locals and expat residents prepare to celebrate Eid, by day or by night, at home or out. Follow the announcements of the UAE Ministry of Human Resources for confirmed dates and the final holiday calendar.
Eid Prayer Timings & Locations
Eid Al Adha prayers in the UAE tend to be performed at dawn, soon after sunrise. And for 2025, the prayer timings will be slightly different for the emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc., and most of them start ranging from 6:00 am to 6:30 am. The attendees will visit big mosques or open places of prayer and set up the crowd there for the announcement. Best to arrive early, wear conservative clothing, and bring a prayer mat. Watch for local announcements for the confirmed Eid prayer schedule near you.
How Eid Al Adha Is Celebrated in Dubai
In a city like Dubai, which is such a metropolis, it is Eid Al Adha is welcomed with open arms, merging age-old traditions with a modern twist and lots of fun to go along. This is how the festival is celebrated throughout the emirate:
1. Special Prayers and Sermons
Eid prayers are one of the main focal points of the celebrations. The mosques in Dubai reverberate with takbeer (Glory of Allah) and are draped in an aura of spirituality. The sermons delivered by the imams after the prayers stress the importance of faith, thanksgiving, and generosity.
2. Qurbani (Sacrifice Ritual)
Qurbani is a ritual sacrifice during Eid Al Adha. In Dubai, families make arrangements to slaughter animals, sometimes going to licensed slaughterhouses or using the services of online applications. In 2025, digital apps and services will still be involved in Qurbani in a big way, always guaranteeing ease and compliance with safety and hygeine protocols.
The sacrificed meat is shared with family, friends, and the needy, adding to the festival’s theme of charity and benevolence.
3. Family Gatherings and Festive Meals
We often have a gathering for Eid Al Adha for families to unite. This tradition is upheld well beyond the morning prayers and the Qurbani, as families cook huge feasts with traditional dishes. Some common dishes consumed during Eid are:
- Ouzi: A rice meal made with lamb or goat, mixed with spices and nuts.
- Machbous: A savoury spiced rice dish, typically served with meat or fish.
- Luqaimat: Sweet dumplings that are drenched in date syrup, and among the most popular Emirati desserts.
Delicious dishes make their home in bustling kitchens all over Dubai, and families host relatives and friends to share the joy of the occasion.
4. Shopping and Festivities
Eid Al Adha is also a period of shopping and celebration. The malls and souks across Dubai have great deals to check out, perfect for a spot of retail therapy. Favourite shopping haunts, including The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Deira Gold Souq, will bloom with seasonal fun designed for all the family. In addition to shopping, residents and visitors will also be able to enjoy cultural performances, children’s activities, and fireworks at some of the emirate’s best-known venues, such as The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Festival City Mall.
5. Charity and Giving Back
Eid Al Adha is defined by the giving. Larger numbers of people in Dubai and their families donate to charities and venues that provide food, clothing, and money to those less fortunate. This represents the actual ethos of the festival: kindness, sharing, and support.
Traditional Eid Al Adha Practices in the UAE
Eid Al Adha has deep connections to tradition and faith. UAE Families in the UAE awake to perform Eid prayers first thing in the morning and make the Qurbani (sacrifice) of a sheep, goat, camel, or cow in the memory of Prophet Ibrahim’s unconditional dedication. It also teaches you to share the meat with the family, friends, and the poor, imparting to you a spirit of generosity and charity. People wear national Emirati garb, feast, and visit relatives. In Dubai and the other emirates, the holiday season is warm, festive, and bursting with cultural traditions all its own.
Eid Celebrations, Events & Activities
For Dubai and the rest of the UAE, Eid Al Adha festivities are nothing compared to the excitement, traditions, and enthusiasm. Cities come alive with fireworks, family-friendly festivities, and cultural displays. Malls and amusement centers put on special Eid-themed events for children as well as adults. Parks, beaches, and landmarks become picnic and outing hotspots. A lot of families also book desert safaris, beach stays, or city tours during the long weekend. Eid in UAE – some traditions you didn’t know about. With something for everyone, Eid in the UAE mixes faith, fun, and community spirit.
Travel & Leisure During Eid Al Adha 2025
As Eid Al Adha 2025 heralds a long weekend, several UAE residents seize the opportunity to travel. Some check out local spots like desert resorts, beachside hotels, or family-friendly parks; others take short flights to nearby destinations for a brief escape. Flights and hotel rooms are snapped up quickly, so savvy planners book early. Roads and public transport may be crowded, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But whether you prefer a staycation or an international journey, here are the dates. When can you expect public and private sector holidays here in the UAE? If it is announced tomorrow, that could mean introducing an extra day to the Eid holiday in the UAE offers a perfect time to relax and enjoy.
Eid Shopping and Promotions in Dubai & UAE
Eid Al Adha is also a season for major shopping sprees. Shopping centres in Dubai and the UAE have amazing Eid sales and discounts on clothes, electronics, gifts, and more. Famous complexes such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and local souks fill with excited shoppers. Some shops launch short-term Eid deals, and online marketplaces come up with flash sales for added convenience. Whether you are shopping for new clothes, fragrances, or gifts for loved ones, Eid shopping in the UAE is always an exciting part of the celebration.
Exploring Dubai During Eid Al Adha
There is no better time to see Dubai at its celebratory best than during Eid Al Adha. Both visitors and locals can explore the city’s best attractions, as many have special holiday offerings.
- Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai: See incredible light displays and holiday decorations in the center of town.
- Global Village: This cultural attraction is seasonal but often with festive pavilions during Eid holidays.
- Desert Safaris: Visitors and families can enjoy the quiet and calm beauty of the desert along with traditional Emirati song, dance, and food. Click Here for Dubai Desert Safari in Eid Al Adha 2025.
Health & Safety Tips During Eid
As families fill and crowds swell, health and safety are always a priority during Eid Al Adha 2025. If you plan to go to the Eid prayers or a public event, arrive early to avoid overcrowding and observe local safety procedures. If you are sacrificing an animal, make sure you always pick designated slaughterhouses for health purposes and to stay on the right side of the law. Stay hydrated, especially if you are outside during the day, and carry a first-aid kit while traveling. UAE officials could make public health advisories, so it’s smart to stay updated through official channels.
Final Tips to Make the Most of Eid Al Adha 2025
To maximise pleasure from Eid Al Adha 2025 in the UAE, here’s a to-do list, be it booking travel, making sure you know Eid prayer timings, or shopping before it’s too late! Adopt the traditions, dine with people, and join local Eid activities throughout Dubai and the rest of the emirates. Take the long weekend to unwind, meditate, and spend time with family. And don’t forget to adhere to safety precautions and monitor official announcements for any last-minute changes. With some planning, your Eid will be both joyful and stress-free.
Get 20% Off for All Packages of Desert Safari Tour Until 30 September – Book Now!
Experience the thrill of the Dubai desert like never before with our limited-time offer – 20% Off for all Packages of Desert Safari Tour Until 30 September! Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding dune bashing, peaceful camel rides, or mesmerizing belly dance performances under the stars, now is the perfect time to book. Click here to get a 20% discount on all Safari Tour packages is available for a short period, giving you the chance to enjoy top-rated desert adventures at unbeatable prices. Don’t miss out, secure your spot before the offer ends on 30th September.
Conclusion:
Eid Al Adha 2025 in the UAE is a special time for families and friends to get together and be generous with one another. The specifics of the Abu Dhabi holidays Eid Al Adha, dates, public holidays and prayers timings will assist users, and residents to enjoy the festive day with minimal hassle. Regardless of whether you are poised for Qurbani Eid prayers at the mosque or just the Dubai and other Emirates festivities, knowing what to expect will help in having a smooth experience and enjoyable Eid.
In addition to that, these are days themed around family, friends, delicious food and bonding that the people can deeply enjoy while celebrating UAE peripheral traditions. Besides the festive themed shopping offers, community events and travel to the desert or the beach, there are plenty of activities to take part in during these five days.
Read More:
- Top 12 Surprising Facts About Desert Safari Dubai You Can’t Miss
- Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy on a Dubai Desert Safari
- Top 10 Photography Tips for Your Dubai Desert Safari Adventure
FAQs:
Eid Al Adha 2025 is expected to be on Friday, 6th of June 2025, but we still have to wait for the moon sighting.
The moon sighting is the announcement for the beginning of the Islamic lunar month of Dhu Al Hijjah, which in turn sets the date for Eid Al Adha.
A three to four-day public holiday is expected, usually including Arafat Day and the Eid days to follow.
The specific date is usually announced after the sighting of the crescent moon, which should be around May 27 or 28, 2025.
Yes, the dates can vary slightly depending on when the moon is sighted locally, so it’s best to follow official announcements.
