Residents in the UAE are anticipating a long weekend for the Islamic festival of Eid Al Adha in mid-June, with the exact duration dependent on the moon-sighting process scheduled for Thursday, June 6. Depending on the moon sighting, the holiday could extend for four or five days, including the weekend.
Eid Al Adha is marked by Arafah Day, the holiest day in Islam, which grants one day off, followed by three days off for the Eid festival. The festival dates are determined by the Hijri calendar, which relies on the sighting of the crescent moon.
On June 6, countries in the Arab world, including the UAE, will look for the crescent moon on the 29th of the Hijri month Dhul Qa’adah. If the moon is spotted, Dhul Hijjah will begin the next day, June 7. In this scenario, Arafah Day will be on June 15, and Eid Al Adha will start on June 16, giving residents a break from Saturday, June 15, to Tuesday, June 18.
If the moon is not seen on June 6, Dhul Hijjah will start on June 8, moving Arafah Day to June 16 and Eid Al Adha to June 17. This would extend the holiday from Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19, providing a five-day break, including the weekend.
Astronomical calculations indicate that the moon is unlikely to be seen on June 6, suggesting a probable five-day holiday for UAE residents. Many residents are planning to combine the Eid break with school holidays for extended vacations. However, airfares are rising due to high demand, with increases of up to 64% observed by travel app Wego. Travel experts recommend considering travel dates in August for more affordable options.