4-day Eid Al-Adha holidays for Saudi private sector
RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced on Wednesday that there will be four-day Eid Al-Adha holidays for workers in the private and non-profit sectors. The holidays will start on the Arafat Day on Thursday, June 5, and will end on Sunday, June 8.
The ministry emphasized the necessity of taking into account the cases of overlap stipulated in Article 24 of the Executive Regulations of the Labor Law to ensure that the holiday is implemented in accordance with the approved regulations.
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that Standing at Arafat, which marks the climax of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, will be on Thursday, June 5, and Friday, June 6 will be the first day of the Eid Al-Adha celebrations.
The Supreme Court announced that Wednesday, May 28, is the first day of Dhul Hijjah following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha 2025 in UAE: Takbeerat rings out at malls; have you heard it?
Amid the hustle of shoppers and the echo of footsteps, a serene and familiar chant gently cuts through the noise at 3pm in Mall of the Emirates: 'Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar…' With Eid Al Adha just days away, shopping malls across the UAE have begun broadcasting the Eid takbeerat —a spiritual call glorifying God — over their loudspeakers. The gesture is subtle but powerful, pausing the rush of daily life and touching hearts amid the everyday rush. Dubai residents Lamar Murtada, Talia Alsayed, and Meera Alabbassi, paused mid-stroll, captivated by the sound echoing softly through the air-conditioned corridors. 'It gives us that feeling that Eid is almost here,' said Meera. Watch the video below: For Talia, the moment carried added a deeper meaning. 'Just yesterday, I talked to my mom about this after we heard the takbeerat somewhere else,' she said. 'It's so calming. It brings us peace. Honestly, it's more meaningful than any background music.' Major shopping centres like City Centre Mirdif, Deira City Center, Union Coop, and Etihad Mall, are filling their spaces with the spiritual echoes of the takbeer, adding a reverent tone to the festive energy. What is Takbeerat? These recitations, known as Takbeerat Al-Adha, mean proclaiming 'God is Great' and are a reflection of faith, gratitude, and joy. Recited especially during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, the takbeer is a cherished Sunnah that helps prepare the hearts of Muslims for one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar. At Union Coop, the initiative began on May 28, marking the 1st of Dhul Hijjah, and will continue through June 8, the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. 'Broadcasting Eid Takbeerat in our branches symbolises Allah's glory, spreads joy, and reminds people of Eid's spiritual meaning. It helps revive the Sunnah, reinforce Islamic identity in public spaces, and educate Muslims about the proper practice and timing of Takbeerat,' said Shuaib Alhammadi, senior manager, community relations at Union Coop. 'A special moment' For long-time Dubai resident Sajna Abdulla, who encountered the takbeer while shopping in Deira City Center, the moment was unexpectedly emotional. 'I was out shopping when it began and was quite surprised. It transported me back to my Hajj experience over 30 years ago,' she recalled. 'The memories came rushing in. My family even started repeating the takbeer after the loudspeaker. It was a truly special moment.' Even tourists are pausing to appreciate the gesture. Alia and Rahaf, sisters visiting Dubai from Saudi Arabia for a pre-Eid holiday, were delighted to hear the familiar chants. 'It reminded us of home,' they said. 'It's heartening to hear this in Dubai, a city that blends modern living with strong Islamic traditions.' This year, excitement is even higher as UAE residents prepare for a four-day Eid Al Adha break, starting Thursday, June 5, with Arafah Day, the holiest day in Islam. Eid Al Adha will be observed on Friday, June 6, coinciding with Jumuah (Friday) prayers, making the day spiritually significant with both sermons taking place back to back. The break will continue through Sunday, June 8, offering families and communities time for both reflection and celebration. Across social media, UAE residents have started sharing their experiences by posting videos of the takbeerat echoing through malls, and tagging locations like Etihad Mall, Union Coop, and Mirdif City Centre.


Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Watch: UAE falcons with passports, on plane seats? Inside world of falconer
The sight of a falcon occupying its own airplane seat, complete with a passport, might seem surreal to most travellers. But for Ammar Al Marri, this is simply another day in the life of a dedicated Emirati falconer. In just six months, the 35-year-old from Abu Dhabi has built an Instagram following of 72,000 people eager to get a glimpse into what goes behind falconry, a traditional practice that remains deeply embedded in Emirati culture. Through his account 'uaefalcons', Al Marri has opened a window into a world of ancient traditions, revealing costs and commitments that few could imagine. 'I noticed there weren't accounts, whether from individuals or organisations, talking about falconry comprehensively,' Al Marri explained. 'There are championships and other events, and the country hasn't fallen short, but we needed an account that conveys these things to enthusiasts and others — a comprehensive account covering all aspects.' Al Marri, who currently maintains four birds including a pure Gyr falcon, a Gyr-Peregrine, and two others, said: 'Each person spends according to their situation, but for me, per bird it can reach up to Dh1,000.' This monthly figure represents just the operational costs — the initial investments can be significantly higher. A single GPS tracking device, considered essential equipment for monitoring falcons, costs approximately Dh7,000. Watch the bird travel on a plane, below: Specialised training aircraft used to build the birds' cardiovascular fitness represent another significant investment. These remote-controlled planes simulate prey behaviour, allowing falcons to engage their natural pursuit instincts while building the stamina necessary for hunting sessions. High-quality nutrition forms another substantial expense category. Unlike pets, falcons require carefully sourced prey animals and supplements that support their unique metabolic needs. The food must come from reputable suppliers to ensure freedom from diseases and contaminants that could prove fatal to these sensitive birds. Housing and facility maintenance add additional layers of expense. Despite these substantial costs, Al Marri views the investment as worthwhile beyond simple financial calculations. 'It's expensive, but it's a cost I enjoy,' he emphasised. 'In winter, from September until March, I don't go anywhere. I spend the time with the birds, I use the time and enjoyment and occupy my day and life, so this is not a loss.' The falconer's routine The commitment to falconry extends far beyond financial investment, demanding daily attention and care that few hobbies can match. 'When summer ends, I spend most of the initial days with them. Each bird should at least be on my hand for two to three hours a day so that it gets used to me again,' Al Marri explained. This re-bonding process proves essential, as falcons naturally maintain their wild instincts and must be carefully reacquainted with their human handlers each season. The daily schedule varies depending on the season and the specific needs of each bird. During peak training periods, Al Marri dedicates morning sessions to fitness conditioning using specialised aircraft that the falcons chase to build stamina and maintain their natural pursuit behaviours. Afternoon activities typically focus on hunting practice, including 'talwah' — traditional hunting methods targeting migratory birds or pigeons that help maintain the falcons' predatory skills. Each bird receives individualised attention based on its specific condition and temperament. 'There's a bird whose weight you want to increase and a bird whose weight you want to decrease and improve its fitness,' Al Marri noted. 'The bird whose fitness is low — I work on strengthening it through the plane designated for birds. But there's, for example, a bird that's bored and doesn't get excited about hunting and chasing prey, so we work on reducing its food during hunting time, so it gets excited.' Falcons can live 20 to 25 years, meaning successful partnerships can span decades. This longevity creates deep emotional bonds that influence every aspect of daily care and training decisions. Passport-carrying passengers Perhaps no aspect of modern falconry surprises outsiders more than the elaborate travel arrangements required for international hunting expeditions. Al Marri's experiences include traveling with his falcons to Morocco, Uzbekistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. 'The passport depends on the bird owner and the falconer,' Al Marri explained. 'If he will travel with it, then the bird must be issued a passport.' The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change has streamlined this process through a dedicated mobile application that allows falconers to obtain official documentation for their birds with relative ease. The actual travel experience involves meticulous preparation and specialised procedures designed to ensure the birds' comfort and safety during flight. Each falcon occupies its own airplane seat. 'On the plane it has a designated seat that is covered with nylon, and you are responsible for it, and it should be hooded — the hood should not be removed from it so that it stays calm,' Al Marri detailed. Pre-flight preparation proves equally important. 'It's better before boarding the plane that it should be very full so that it's comfortable and doesn't move,' Al Marri advised. The travel experience often becomes a cultural exchange. 'In the Gulf they don't get surprised much, but those from other countries look with admiration and amazement,' Al Marri said. 'Sometimes the flight crew take pictures and want to hold the bird and ask questions. It becomes a beautiful trip, but you feel like you want to arrive quickly because you don't know when your bird will start getting annoyed.' A shared tradition Beyond individual pursuit, Al Marri emphasises the profound social benefits that emerge from shared participation in this traditional practice. 'In winter or during the season, my brothers and my cousins and friends are closer to each other than any other time,' Al Marri reflected. 'We talk daily, and we share many things. It builds relationships and increases our social relationships from sharing in a certain hobby. Daily we learn and share matters.' Al Marri encourages young Emiratis to embrace falconry as both a cultural heritage practice and a positive influence during formative years. His message resonates with growing concerns about youth engagement and the preservation of traditional practices in an increasingly digital world. 'I urge everyone who has a son aged 15 to 19, to get him into this field, because the boy will learn from the bird and the bird will learn from him, and it will occupy him from everything happening currently,' Al Marri said. 'I always advise everyone to get their sons involved and it will occupy them from the negative things that exist.' Young falconers learn responsibility through daily care routines, develop problem-solving abilities through training challenges, and gain confidence through successful partnerships with their birds. To demonstrate his commitment to youth engagement, Al Marri organized a social media competition where the prize was an actual falcon, won by a young boy from Ajman. A lasting bond The deep emotional bonds that develop between falconers and their birds are special. Al Marri's remembered a particularly beloved falcon, saying: 'I had a bird I loved very much, it was one of the fastest. He didn't think — when he wanted something he would get it.' 'One day it went down on his prey — a stone curlew — and hit it hard, his wing broke and in a few hours he died. When I remember him, I feel sad and I haven't forgotten him to this day.' While falconry traditionally represents a costly hobby rather than a profitable venture, Al Marri envisions opportunities to develop sustainable business models that could support the practice while sharing its benefits more broadly. 'Usually, it's expensive. Some have been able to make the most of the field and make it a business. I'm also preparing for this thing that will support me.'


Gulf Today
5 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Pakistan's former PM Imran to lead another 'anti-government movement' from jail
While there is not even a slight possibility of release of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan before Eid Al Adha, he has announced to lead another anti-government movement from the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi where he is lodged. 'Imran Khan has announced a protest movement against the government. The centre of the movement would not be Islamabad, but the entire country. Imran Khan has given me the responsibility to make a plan for the protest movement. I will present the plan in my next meeting with him very soon. We will plan after consulting lawyers and party leaders,' PTI senator Ali Zafar Shah told reporters after meeting the ex-premier. Meanwhile, rumours regarding Imran Khan's possible release before Eid have been firmly rejected by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and government officials and even the PTI doesn't expect it to happen. NAB officials said that there is currently no case before any court that is ripe for Imran Khan's release. 'No notice has been issued to NAB in any matter that could result in his bail or release before Eid. As per legal norms, the prosecution must be heard before any relief is granted to a convicted individual, which has not happened so far.' Activists of PTI take part in a public rally on the outskirts of Islamabad. File / AFP Government officials have also dismissed the speculation, categorically stating that no deal has been offered to Imran Khan, and there is no behind-the-scenes arrangement underway to facilitate his release. 'There is no understanding, no negotiation, and no offer on the table,' a senior government official said. Imran Khan's legal counsel Naeem Haider Panjotha also told reporters that the reports of Imran Khan's imminent release were false. 'There is neither any deal nor any leniency being offered. The rumours are baseless.' Senator Zafar Shah quoted the party founder as telling him that 'we have been put against the wall; we have no option but to take to the streets. We will protest across the country, which I will lead from jail.' Imran, he pointed out, expressed the resolve to give all instructions related to the protest movement from jail. The senator said the upcoming movement would be unlike any seen before. He emphasised that this time, the movement must succeed, acknowledging that while obstacles were inevitable, solutions must be found to overcome them. He said the strategy of the protest movement would be ready in a few days, after the next meeting and that the party founder himself would assign responsibilities with regards to the proposed drive.