Eid Al Adha 2025: Prayer times announced for all Emirates
Ready for that well-earned break? UAE residents are in for a four-day weekend as the country gears up to celebrate Eid Al Adha 2025 and it's going to be both spiritually meaningful and filled with family festivities. When is Eid Al Adha in 2025?
This year, Eid Al Adha falls on Friday, June 6, right after Arafah Day on Thursday, June 5. The UAE has announced a four-day public holiday from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, giving both public and private sector workers an extended weekend to relax, reflect, and celebrate. A double blessing
In 2025, the festivsl coincides with Friday prayers (Jumuah), making the day extra significant. However, the UAE Fatwa Council has confirmed that Eid and Jumuah prayers will be held separately, each with its own sermon. When to wake up?
Khaleej Times reviewed the Hijri calendar issued by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and since Eid prayers usually take place around 20 minutes after sunrise, here's the likely timings: Fujairah: 5.41am
Ras Al Khaimah: 5.41am
Umm Al Quwain: 5.43am
Ajman: 5.44am
Sharjah: 5.44am
Dubai: 5.45am
Abu Dhabi: 5.50am
Note: Official prayer times may still be updated. What happens on Eid Morning?
On Eid morning, Muslims across the UAE wake early, dress their best, and head to mosques or open-air musallahs for prayer. From dawn, the air fills with the sound of takbir; chants glorifying God, until the Eid prayer begins shortly after sunrise. A brief sermon follows, and then the celebrations begin with family visits, shared meals, and festive cheer.
> Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Back to school in UAE: How teachers prepare one week in advance for new academic year
After nearly two months of summer break, teachers returned to UAE schools and participated in professional development sessions covering child protection, the integration of AI in classrooms, community-building, and a new planning model. This signifies the official resumption of duties following the summer break and the commencement of the 2025–2026 academic year, with students in all grades set to begin classes on Monday, August 25. Khaleej Times reached out to several schools to understand how the first day went. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Lisa Johnson, Principal, American Academy for Girls (AAG) said, 'It's a full and exciting week ahead. Our staff are engaging in professional training focused on child protection, the use of AI in the classroom, and a new planning model we're implementing this year.' Welcome back breakfast Johnson explained at AAG, the day began with a traditional Emirati breakfast, providing a relaxed environment for staff to reconnect after the summer break. The school also unveiled this year's guiding theme: 'Be the Weaver,' symbolising how every lesson, act of care, and decision contributes to students' overall growth. She added, 'We reflected on this together this morning to set the tone for the year ahead.' Across the city, Brighton College Dubai welcomed back over 200 teaching, technical, and administrative staff, alongside more than 25 new colleagues. Simon Crane, Head Master, said, 'Today marks the start of our back-to-school programme, with our teachers engaged in professional training, collaboration, and planning to ensure that we deliver the very best education. This week will be spent refining lessons, aligning on curriculum priorities, and preparing enriching experiences in and beyond the classroom.' Staff strength and new hires Similarly, Diyafah International School in Abu Dhabi also focused on preparing its staff for the start of the school year. David Flint, Principal, said, 'These trainings are being led both by our school leadership team and external experts, focusing on innovative teaching practices, student well-being, and the integration of new technologies into the classroom. Only a small percentage of new colleagues join us this year. It is always special to see familiar faces return, and equally exciting to welcome passionate new educators who enrich our community.' At Uptown International School, professional development aimed to foster consistency across classrooms while strengthening team collaboration. Paul Rowe, Head of Secondary, noted, 'For our new and returning staff, it's about ensuring everyone feels connected and confident, ready to deliver excellence for all our students. This professional development not only equips teachers with strategies for success, but also reinforces our identity as a community that learns, grows, and achieves together.' Indian curriculum schools In Indian curriculum schools, teachers return a few days ahead of students to ensure a smooth start. Deepika Thapar Singh, Principal of Credence High School, said, 'All our staff are returning from their summer break and will rejoin a few days before school reopens, ensuring they are ready to warmly welcome students after their much-needed holiday. The school currently has about 450 personnel, including faculty, administrative, and outsourced staff. Since our academic year, based on the Indian curriculum, began in April 2025, the recruitment process for new hires was completed well in advance.'
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
'Learnt more in 11 months than 12 years of school,' say UAE national recruits
Discipline, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose — these are the values the UAE's 22nd National Service cohort said will stay with them for life. After completing the 11-month mandatory programme on August 1, 2025, the high school graduate recruits reflected on how the experience reshaped their outlook and prepared them for challenges beyond the parade ground. 'I learned more in 11 months than I did in 12 years of school,' said Saif Saeed Alkyeli, describing his transformation. Speaking to Khaleej Times, he admitted the experience exceeded his expectations in surprising ways. 'I expected strict discipline and tough training, but what struck me most was the brotherhood and unity we built. I also began to truly value time and discipline in ways I never had before.' Mandatory under Federal Law No. 6 of 2014, National Service applies to Emirati men aged 18 to 30, with female volunteers welcomed as well. Cabinet Resolution No. 15 of 2022 currently sets the duration at 11 months for high school graduates and volunteers. Since its launch in 2015, the programme has aimed to foster national cohesion and civic responsibility among Emirati youth. Now a decade on, its impact has proven transformative for thousands. For Batch 222, some of the most profound lessons often came not from drills, but from unexpected moments. Alkyeli recalled one incident during training: 'A teammate collapsed from exhaustion, and without hesitation, we all carried him through. That moment redefined teamwork for me — success is never individual, it's always about the group.' For Abdulrahman Alwaleed, the key lesson was resilience. 'The biggest change in me is resilience. I'm calmer under pressure now. Whether it's work, study, or life, I know I can handle it.' Others discovered leadership in themselves. 'I thought it would just be drills and physical training,' said Saif AlMaskari. 'But we were given real responsibility to lead our peers. That showed me leadership is about trust and accountability.' Batch 22's growth was symbolised during the landmark 'Stand of Loyalty' parade in December 2024, which marked the 10th anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces and a decade of the National Service programme. Batch 22 stood as living proof of its enduring impact. The lessons of perseverance continue to guide them. Alwaleed recalled one memorable challenge: 'It was pouring rain, and the course looked impossible. We finished it soaked and exhausted, but smiling. Hardship always ends with pride and honour.' For many, the changes extend far beyond their service period. 'I've become more responsible and mature,' Alkyeli reflected. 'My goals are clearer, and I've learned to value every moment, whether at work or with family.' The graduates are also eager to guide the next generation of recruits. 'Don't be afraid,' advised AlMaskari. 'This experience will shape you for the better. You'll discover strengths you never knew you had, and come out more patient, disciplined, and proud.' As Batch 22 moves forward, its members are pursuing diverse paths. Some are headed abroad for university studies, while others are enrolling in military colleges to build on their service. Meanwhile, the 23rd batch will begin its journey on August 31, 2025 — ready to take on the same transformative challenge.
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Burj Khalifa lights up in green and white on Pakistan Independence Day
Watching the tallest building in the world light up is always a wonderful experience, especially when it is a flag of the nation you hail from. On the ocassion of Pakistan's Independence Day, Burj Khalifa lit up, displaying Pakistan's flag in a sign of the nation's solidarity with the South Asian country. This, however, isn't the first time that the building has lit up in these colours. On August 14, the landmark has been displaying the flag to wish the large expatriate population in the city. The Pakistan Consulate in Dubai shared the video of the display from this year with Khaleej Times. Watch below: Pakistani missions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Thursday cut the cake and organised flag-hoisting ceremonies on the occasion of Independence Day. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, warmly welcomed the community members and extended heartfelt congratulations on the auspicious day. He urged the Pakistani diaspora to continue playing a constructive role in the development of both the UAE and Pakistan, commending their contributions to the prosperity of the host country and their support for the homeland.
