Muslims celebrate two key Eid festivals annually: Eid ul Fitr and Eid al Adha in UAE. Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha commemorates the completion of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Both Eids are celebrated with feasting and prayers, offering a time for Muslims to come together and give thanks to Allah.
Eid al-Adha is a festival celebrating the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son to Allah as a sign of faith. It is celebrated for three days, from the 9th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. However, the exact dates of the festival may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.
Eid in UAE is an important and widely celebrated festival, though many might not know its significance, when it falls, or its history.
In this Dbd guide, we will discuss the Eid al-Adha date, history, and more to understand this critical festival better.
Eid al-Adha in UAE Dates
The date of Eid al-Adha may vary from country to country, depending on when the new moon is sighted. The dates of Eid Al Adha in the UAE for the years 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 are shown in the table below.
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | 28 June | Wednesday |
29 June | Thursday | |
30 June | Friday | |
2024 | 16 June | Sunday |
17 June | Monday | |
18 June | Tuesday | |
2025 | 6 June | Friday |
7 June | Saturday | |
8 June | Sunday | |
2026 | 27 May | Wednesday |
28 May | Thursday | |
29 May | Friday |
Eid al-Adha prayer time in UAE
The following are the Eid al-Adha 2024 prayer times in the UAE. Remember that Eid al-Adha’s prayer time varies somewhat depending on your emirate and city.
City | Prayer time |
---|---|
Abu Dhabi | 5.57 am |
Madinat Zayed | 6.02 am |
Al Ain | 5.51 am |
Dubai | 5.52 am |
Sharjah | 5.51 am |
Ajman | 5.51 am |
Umm Al Quwain | 5.50 am |
Ras Al Khaimah | 5.48 am |
Fujairah | 5.48 am |
Al Dhafra | 6.02 am |
Khorfakkan | 5.48 am |
Eid al-Adha holidays in UAE
Eid al-Adha is a memorable holiday that holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. According to the Islamic Lunar Calendar, Dhu-al-Hijjah, the tenth day of the final month, is a special day for Eid al-Adha.
On this day, Muslims celebrate the conclusion of the annual Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca. For the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha, Islamic nations around the world normally get a three-day or a four-day holiday.
Year | Eid al-Adha Holiday Dates |
---|---|
2022 | 9th July, 10th July, and 11th July |
2023 | 28th June, 29th June, and 30th June |
2024 | 16th June, 17th June, and 18th June |
2025 | 6th June, 7th June, and 8th June |
2026 | 27th May, 28th May, and 29th May |
Origin and history of Eid al-Adha
The origin and history of Eid al Adha can be traced back to the time when Prophet Abraham offered up his son as a sacrifice. It commemorates the story of Prophet Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son, Ishmail, at God’s command.
However, when Abraham was willing to go through with the sacrifice, God sent the angel Gabriel with a massive ram and intervened. Then the ram was sacrificed in place of Abraham’s son. From that time on, Eid al-Adha has been celebrated as a day of sacrifice.
The holiday reminds Muslims of their willingness to surrender their lives to God. It is also a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate their faith.
How is Eid al-Adha celebrated?
Eid al-Adha is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar, and it is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
On the first day of Eid, special prayers and sermons are held at mosques. After that, everyone enjoys a feast where meat is traditionally served after “Qurbani” – a sacrifice.
One of the most important traditions of Eid al-Adha is the sacrificial slaughter of a sheep, cow, goat, lamb, bull, or camel. This act symbolizes Abraham’s sacrifice and is seen as a way of honoring Allah.
The animal must be in good health and over a certain age to be slaughtered. The slaughtered animals are then divided into three equal shares. Each share is then allocated to a different person responsible for slaughtering the animal and distributing the meat to the needy.
Another crucial part of Eid al-Adha is the chanting of the Takbir. Takbir is chanted loud and proud before the Eid prayers on the first day and after prayers throughout the three days of Eid.
Participating in these unique traditions is an important way of celebrating Eid al-Adha for many Muslims.
Food and celebrations during Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is a particularly joyous time for Muslims around the world. It is a time of prayer, reflection, and of course, a time of feasting. One of the most anticipated traditions of Eid al-Adha is the preparation and eating of particular foods.
While the menu may vary from family to family, Eid al-Adha staples can be found in nearly every home. One such dish is korma, a rich and flavorful stew that is often a lamb or chicken. Another popular Eid dish is biryani, a rice dish typically served with meat or vegetables.
Similarly, ouzi is a popular dish made with goat or sheep meat and spices. Harees meat porridge and matchbooks with spiced chicken or fish mixed with rice is also a trendy dish.
People also share sweet cookies, chocolate, dates, and gourmet gifts. No matter what dishes are on the table, one thing is sure – Eid al-Adha is a time to come together and enjoy the company of family and friends, and celebrate the abundant blessings of Allah.
Best places to visit during Eid al-Adha in UAE
Eid al-Adha is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims all around the world. In the UAE, there are many places where you can enjoy the festivities and take part in the celebrations. Some of the best places to visit during Eid al-Adha in UAE are:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: It is one of the most popular places to visit during Eid al-Adha in Abu Dhabi. The mosque is known for its beautiful architecture and grand scale. There is always a large crowd of people visiting the mosque during Eid, so it is best to go early in the morning to avoid long lines.
- Burj Khalifa: If you want to catch some fantastic views of Dubai during Eid, go up to the Burj Khalifa. At 828 meters high, it is the tallest building in the world and offers some stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea. And on the Eid holidays in Dubai, you will see some of the best and the most colorful light shows in the world!
- Dubai Mall: The Dubai Mall is always a popular destination during Eid, and this year is no exception. There will be plenty of activities and events at the mall, so check out what’s on offer.
- Mall of the Emirates: The Mall of the Emirates is another excellent spot for Eid shopping and entertainment. With over 700 shops, it’s worth a visit.
- Bastakiya: If you’re looking for a more traditional Eid experience, head to Bastakiya for some old-world charm. This historical area of Dubai is home to some beautiful old architecture and lovely markets.
- Al Badiyah Mosque: The Al Badiyah Mosque in Fujairah is a bit smaller than the Grand Mosque. It is known for its unique architecture and beautiful surroundings. The mosque is usually not as crowded as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, so it is an excellent option if you want to avoid crowds.
Difference between Eid al-Adha and Eid ul Fitr
Muslims worldwide celebrate two major festivals – Eid al-Adha and Eid ul Fitr. Both Eids are marked with festivities, but they represent different occasions.
Let’s find out some of the differences between Eid al-Adha and Eid ul Fitr in the table below:
S.N | Eid Al Adha | Eid Al Fitr |
---|---|---|
1 | Eid al Adha is celebrated in honor of the Prophet Abraham’s acceptance to perform his ultimate sacrifice at the command of God. | Eid Al Fitr is celebrated as a fast-breaking festival at the end of Ramadan. |
2 | It is celebrated on the 10th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al Hijjah. | It is celebrated on the first day of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, Shawwal. |
3 | Eid Al Adha also marks the end of the Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. | It marks the end of Ramadan, the feast of breaking fast, and people wear new clothes and eat something sweet. |
As a result, these two Eid represent different aspects of the Islamic faith. Nevertheless, both festivals are significant occasions in the Muslim calendar and are celebrated with great joy.
Related Stories
- Find out how to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in UAE, and when it is celebrated.
- Check out our Dbd guide – Ramadan in UAE to know when and how Ramadan is observed.
- A large number of people also celebrate Diwali in UAE. Find out when and how the festival of lights is celebrated.
FAQs
What is Eid al-Adha a celebration of?
Eid al-Adha is a religious holiday celebrating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as a sign of faith. It is celebrated for three days, from the tenth to the twelfth day of the Islamic calendar’s last month.
How long is Eid al-Adha in UAE?
In the UAE, Eid al-Adha is usually celebrated for three days, from the 9th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic calendar). However, the exact dates of the festival may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.
Final thoughts
Eid al-Adha in UAE is when families and friends come together to celebrate. The UAE celebrates this holiday with unique traditions that reflect the culture and customs of the country.
On Eid in UAE, Muslims gather at outdoor prayer grounds early in the morning for special prayers. Afterward, they return home to exchange greetings and gifts with family members.
A large feast is usually prepared, featuring traditional dishes from the region where the people celebrating it live. Meat from sacrificed animals is often the main course item. Similarly, charity donations are also an essential part of this holiday celebration.
From food to clothing, there are many ways that the UAE celebrates Eid al-Adha. If you are in the UAE during this time, be sure to participate in the festivities and enjoy all this memorable holiday has to offer.
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About the author
Arijit Negi
Arijit Negi is an expatriate living in Dubai for 18 years. He completed his degree in Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Mumbai. Arijit focuses on providing helpful guides and information for ex-pats living in UAE and visitors to the UAE.