Eid Al Adha 2024 – Crescent Moon Spotted, UAE Announces Days Off
Uroosa Ahsan 
Eid Al Adha is just around the corner…
In a joyous announcement, the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of Dhul Hijjah on Thursday, June 6. So, With this sighting, Friday, June 7 marks the first day of this blessed month. That means Eid Al Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, will be on Sunday, June 16, coinciding with the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah.
Preceding Eid Al Adha is the significant Day of Arafah on Saturday, June 15, the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah. It’s a pivotal day for Muslims as pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for prayers and introspection.
The UAE government has generously granted public holidays to mark these sacred occasions. A day off is allocated for the Day of Arafah on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, followed by three days off for Eid Al Adha, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah (that means a well-deserved break).
Eid Al Adha commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. Muslims worldwide observe this event with special prayers and by sacrificing livestock as an act of remembrance and gratitude.
In addition to Eid festivities, the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam, will be underway. Millions of Muslims undertake the Hajj each year, retracing the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim and his family and performing rituals that symbolize unity, equality, and submission to the will of the Almighty.
