Qatar has officially announced a five-day public holiday for Eid Al Adha 2025. The Eid holidays in Qatar will start on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, which marks Arafah Day—one of the holiest days in Islam. The break will extend until the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah. However, the exact dates are subject to the moon sighting, which follows the Islamic lunar calendar.
The moon-sighting committee in Qatar and across the region, including Dubai and other parts of the UAE, is expected to meet on May 27 to determine the start of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. If the crescent moon is sighted on that evening, Dhul Hijjah will begin on May 28. Otherwise, it will commence on May 29. Based on this, Arafah Day will likely fall on either Thursday, June 5, or Friday, June 6. Eid Al Adha will be observed the following day.
In Dubai and the rest of the UAE, Arafah Day will also be marked as a public holiday. It will be followed by a three-day Eid Al Adha holiday from Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12. Tentatively, the UAE Eid break is expected to run from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8. These dates may shift depending on the moon sighting, which determines the start of the Islamic month.
Meanwhile, in India and Pakistan, the moon sighting usually differs slightly from the Gulf countries due to geographical location. Both countries are expected to observe Eid Al Adha a day later than Qatar and the UAE, with celebrations most likely on Saturday, June 7, or Sunday, June 8, based on local lunar observations.
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a significant religious holiday for Muslims in Qatar, Dubai, India, and Pakistan. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The holiday is marked by prayers, feasts, charity, and the symbolic sacrifice of animals.
Residents and expats across the region are now preparing for the extended break, which is expected to boost travel, shopping, and family gatherings during this sacred occasion.
