Dhul Hijjah moon sighted in UAE, Eid Al Adha set for June 6
Eid Al Adha marks the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah
DUBAI: The Dhul Hijjah crescent moon has been sighted in the UAE, confirming Eid Al Adha celebrations on Friday, June 6, with preparations underway across the country.
The much-anticipated crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah was officially sighted in the United Arab Emirates on the evening of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, marking the start of the final and most sacred month in the Islamic calendar. This sighting means that Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on Friday, June 6 across the UAE, bringing relief and excitement to residents preparing for the festival of sacrifice.
Following the crescent's observation, the first day of Dhul Hijjah will begin on Wednesday, May 28, setting the stage for the days leading up to Eid Al Adha, which falls on the 10th day of the month.
Crescent sighting confirmed
The UAE Astronomy Centre shared images of the moon captured from the Al-Khatim Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi at approximately 7:05 pm. Although these images are based on scientific observations, the official declaration of the new lunar month remains the responsibility of government authorities.
في أول صورة لهلال شهر ذي الحجة من العالم الإسلامي بعد غروب الشمس:
— مركز الفلك الدولي (@AstronomyCenter) May 27, 2025
هلال شهر ذو الحجة 1446هـ كما تم تصويره اليوم الثلاثاء 27 مايو 2025م، بواسطة مرصد الختم الفلكي.
الصورة الأولى: الساعة 11:00 صباحا بتوقيت الإمارات. بعد القمر عن الشمس 5.5 درجة. عمر القمر 5 ساعات و22 دقيقة. وكانت… pic.twitter.com/DCx0xQiY4T
This announcement comes shortly after Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court confirmed the crescent moon sighting in the Kingdom, prompting neighbouring countries to watch the skies closely.
Residents in the UAE and across the region have expressed enthusiasm, as the sighting clears the way for preparations and festivities to commence.
Eid Al Adha & Arafat Day
Eid Al Adha, also known as the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’, commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah and coincides with the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which draws millions of Muslims to Mecca.
The day prior to Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, which this year will be observed on Thursday, June 5. On this day, pilgrims performing Hajj gather at the Mount of Arafat to offer prayers and reflection. For Muslims not participating in the pilgrimage, Arafat Day remains a spiritually significant day often marked by fasting and contemplation.
Eid preparations and public holidays
Preparations for Eid Al Adha celebrations are now in full swing. Many residents look forward to a festive period that often includes prayers, family gatherings, charitable giving, and traditional sacrificial rites.
The UAE government is expected to provide a public holiday window around the Eid period, with some residents potentially receiving up to a five-day break, enabling extended celebrations and family time.
This year’s Eid arrives amid hopes for slightly cooler weather compared to the recent extreme heat, with temperatures expected to range from the high 30s to low 40s Celsius across the Emirates.
www.travelsdubai.com/27-May-2025/dhul-hijjah-moon-sighted-in-uae-eid-al-adha-set-for-june-6