UAE announces expected date of Eid-ul-Azha

Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, is expected to fall on Friday (6 June 2025), according to astronomical forecasts released by the Emirates Astronomy Society this week.

The crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Dhu Al Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar, is expected to be visible on 27 May, making 28 May the first day of the month.

The announcement was made by Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, who noted that the crescent will appear at 07:02 am UAE time on 27 May and will remain visible for approximately 38 minutes after sunset, allowing for its likely sighting that evening.

Should the astronomical forecast hold, the Day of Arafah, a day of fasting and reflection observed on the 9th of Dhu Al Hijjah, will fall on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid-ul-Azha on Friday, 6 June.

In line with the UAE's official public holiday calendar, the break for Arafah Day and Eid-ul-Azha spans from the 9th to the 12th of Dhu Al Hijjah (Islamic year 1445 AH), equivalent to four days of public holiday.