UAE celebrates Eid Al Adha 2025 (PICS & VIDEOS)
Families exchange greetings and gifts after offering prayers
DUBAI: Eid Al Adha celebrations began across the UAE on Friday with worshippers gathering in mosques and open prayer grounds at dawn.
Dubai’s Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque (the “Blue Mosque”) saw a particularly large turnout of worshippers, and Sharjah’s Al Noor Mosque was similarly filled for the Eid prayer.
Authorities had announced a unified four-day Eid public holiday from June 5 to 8, covering Arafat Day and Eid, with both public and private sector work resuming on Monday, June 9.
Eid in UAE
In Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was among those offering Eid prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
To my brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, citizens and residents of the UAE, and Muslims around the world, I wish you a blessed Eid Al-Adha and pray for God to grant lasting peace and harmony to all.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) June 6, 2025
At major mosques, rows of men, women and children filled the prayer grounds for Eid. Police officers and volunteers were on hand to guide worshippers and manage traffic at key sites like Dubai’s Blue Mosque and Sharjah’s Al Noor Mosque.
After prayers ended, many families exchanged gifts and Eid greetings as they departed under the morning sun.
Eid Al Adha holiday
The UAE Cabinet confirmed the Eid holiday will run from Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8, covering Arafat Day and Eid. Work will resume on Monday, June 9. All government and private sector employees will observe these dates.
Under UAE labour law, any staff required to work during the Eid holiday must receive either a compensatory day off or pay of their basic salary plus 50% extra.
On the evening of May 27, UAE authorities announced that the crescent marking Dhu Al Hijjah had been sighted. Wednesday, May 28 was declared the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah, setting Arafat Day on Thursday, June 5 and Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6.