UAE announces Eid Al Adha 2025 holidays for public sector
First day of Dhul Hijjah officially began on May 28
ABU DHABI: Federal employees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will enjoy a four-day weekend for Eid Al Adha 2025, following the official announcement by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.
The public holiday begins on Thursday, June 5, coinciding with Arafat Day, and continues through Sunday, June 8. Work for federal government institutions will resume on Monday, June 9.
This decision follows the successful sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent on Tuesday evening, marking May 28 as the first day of the Islamic month. Eid Al Adha, one of the holiest events in the Islamic calendar, will commence on Friday, June 6.
حسب تعميم للهيئة..
— FAHR (@FAHR_UAE) May 28, 2025
عطلة وقفة عرفة وعيد الأضحى للوزارات والجهات الاتحادية لهذا العام 1446هـ سوف تبدأ من 09 ذي الحجة 1446هـ الموافق يوم الخميس 05 يونيو 2025، وتستمر لغاية 12 ذي الحجة 1446هـ الموافق يوم الأحد 08 يونيو 2025م، على أن يستأنف الدوام الرسمي يوم الاثنين 09 يونيو 2025م. pic.twitter.com/1uag3B3JI6
Arafat Day
The Day of Arafat, falling on June 5 this year, is regarded as one of the most sacred days in Islam. Pilgrims performing Hajj gather at Mount Arafat near Mecca for prayer and reflection. It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) final sermon. For Muslims not on pilgrimage, it is a highly recommended day for fasting and devotion.
Eid Al Adha 2025
Eid Al Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. The occasion honours Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Muslims mark the day with morning prayers, charitable giving, and the symbolic sacrifice of livestock, which is then distributed among the needy.
In the UAE, it is also a time for family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive meals. The confirmed dates allow residents to make early plans for travel, leisure, or religious observance.