UAE confirms Eid al-Adha holidays for public sector
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has confirmed the official Eid al-Adha holidays for public sector workers in the UAE.
According to the authority's circular, the break will begin on Thursday, June 5, 2025, for Arafah Day and will continue until Sunday, June 8, 2025, for Eid al-Adha.
Work will resume on Monday, June 9.
This follows the UAE government's announcement that Eid al-Adha celebrations will begin on Friday, June 6. The decision was made after the crescent moon was sighted on the evening of May 27, marking the start of Dhu al-Hijjah on May 28, 2025.
Dhu al-Hijjah is the final month of the Islamic calendar, and its 9th to 12th days are observed as sacred—covering Arafah Day and the three-day Eid celebration.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has yet to release the official holiday schedule for private sector employees.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
31 minutes ago
- What's On
Eid Al Adha 2025: Prayer times announced for all Emirates
Eid Al Adha Mubarak in advance… 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
Middle East Eye
3 days ago
- Middle East Eye
Eid al-Adha 2025: When is it and everything else you need to know
The Islamic celebration of Eid al-Adha is just around the corner and for the world's 1.8 billion Muslims, preparations are already underway for the annual festivity. Often referred to as "the big Eid," Eid al-Adha is considered the more significant religious event in comparison to Eid al-Fitr, which occurs approximately two months earlier and follows the holy month of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha notably marks the end of Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and obligatory for those who are financially and physically able to complete it at least once in their lifetime. Here, Middle East Eye answers some key questions about the celebration. What is Eid al-Adha and when will it fall this year? Eid al-Adha, which translates to "festival of sacrifice", is a four-day celebration that falls on the tenth day of the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, known as Dhu al-Hijjah. This year, Eid al-Adha will likely begin on 6 June. Because Islam uses the lunar calendar, the date for Eid changes every year depending on the sighting of the new moon, which signals the start of the month. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Some countries may celebrate Eid on different days depending on the sighting of the new moon in their country. Why is Eid al-Adha celebrated? The festival is symbolic of an important story within Islamic tradition. It celebrates the willingness of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) to sacrifice his son Ismael in obedience to a command of God. Muslims believe that Abraham was spared the heartbreaking sacrifice when God provided him with a lamb to slaughter instead. The sacrifice is a reminder of the prophet's willingness to give up something precious to him for the sake of God, and reminds Muslims to place their relationship with God before worldly concerns. The story is similar to Christian and Jewish accounts, in which God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, but then spared him from doing so. The event demonstrated the prophet's devotion to God and willingness to abide by God's commands. How do people mark Eid al-Adha? In a symbolic echo of the prophetic story, Muslims will typically sacrifice a sheep and distribute the meat. Many butchers will be busy cutting the meat and dividing it for people to take home or distribute. In some countries, a goat or camel is sacrificed instead. The sacrificed animal is cut into thirds, with one portion given to impoverished people, another shared amongst friends and relatives and the final to be eaten by the family. This Islamic tradition of sacrifice is referred to as Qurbani or Udhiya. Street vendors sell colourful balloons in celebration of Eid in Karachi, Pakistan (AFP/Asif Hassan) In many countries, the practice is carried out in slaughterhouses or at butchers. In some parts of the Middle East, this will be done in large open areas or even in the streets. On the morning of Eid, Muslims will typically decorate their homes, wear their best clothes and head to a mosque for Eid prayers. After prayer, most families will host gatherings with an array of traditional foods, and invite friends and relatives over. Friends will often go out together, as the occasion serves as an opportunity for people to gather and spend quality time together. Another key focus of Eid is to give charity to the less fortunate, and focus on spirituality. Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday? Eid is a public holiday in many Middle Eastern countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as Muslim-majority states beyond the region such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia and Afghanistan. Despite efforts, Eid is not a public holiday in the UK and the US. However, in some areas with significant Muslim populations, businesses may choose to close or open later in the day. What food is eaten on Eid al-Adha? Most food at Eid is based on the meat that is sacrificed, which forms the basis of stews, roasts and barbecues. Fattah is a quintessential dish typically eaten on Eid al-Adha - it consists of a bed of white rice, topped with pieces of lamb and toasted pitta chips, and drenched with a tangy garlic and tomato sauce. The dish, which is best known in Egypt, has other variations across the Middle East. In some countries around the region, it is made with chicken, and a yoghurt and tahini sauce is used instead. In Oman, lamb shuwa is popular for its size, flavour and the convivial gatherings that centre around it. The slow-cooked lamb is marinated for hours then placed on top of a large platter of flavourful rice, from where it is picked at by diners. No Eid is complete without sweet treats, which are enjoyed by adults and children alike: staples include fragrant orange and coconut semolina; and qatayef, pancake-like pillows of batter stuffed with sweet cheese and nuts. Others include asabe Zainab (Zinab's fingers), a deep-fried pastry from Oman that is soaked in syrup, and kunafa, one of the hallmark desserts of the Middle East.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Modern Arab identity: Unveiling Rasasi's Hawas Fire and Pink
This Eid, Rasasi Perfumes brings the essence of modern Arab identity into full bloom with two highly anticipated additions to its best-selling Hawas line: Hawas Fire and Hawas Pink. These are not just perfumes — they are bold expressions of individuality, crafted to make a statement as strong and memorable as the festive season itself. Hawas Fire is a fragrance that crackles with intensity and strength. It's made for the man who walks into a room and owns it — effortlessly, with style. The top notes introduce clary sage, bringing aromatic sharpness that sets the tone. As the scent evolves, the heart reveals Egyptian jasmine paired with marine accords, blending floral elegance with a saline breeze that feels both clean and commanding. The base is where the magic truly lies — a textured trio of amber, ambergris, and mineral notes. The result is a warm, magnetic trail that lingers like a whisper of confidence. Whether you're dressed for Eid prayers or preparing for an evening of family gatherings and laughter, Hawas Fire is the signature that complements a powerful presence — intense but never overwhelming, fresh yet grounded in tradition. On the other side of the spectrum lies Hawas Pink, a delicate yet defiant ode to modern femininity. It opens with the brightness of Egyptian neroli, wrapped in the spice of cinnamon and nutmeg. The heart softens into an alluring bouquet of orange blossom and tuberose, kissed with golden marshmallow — a note that adds a sweet, unexpected twist. Finally, the base notes — cotton candy, vanilla, and tonka bean absolute — envelop the wearer in a comforting, joyful finish. Hawas Pink is made for the woman who knows how to be soft and strong at the same time. It's a fragrance that speaks of tenderness, resilience, and joy — a fitting companion for Eid mornings filled with celebration and late evenings shared with loved ones. Together, Hawas Fire and Hawas Pink represent Rasasi's dedication to crafting perfumes that reflect the spirit of the region: bold, generous, and deeply emotive. Both scents are housed in beautifully designed flacons that exude luxury, making them ideal Eid gifts for those you love — or for yourself, as a well-earned indulgence. This year, as homes fill with the aroma of festive cooking, the rustle of new clothes, and the warmth of reunion, let your fragrance speak volumes. Let it be part of your Eid ritual, as personal and expressive as your choice of words or wardrobe. With Hawas Fire and Hawas Pink, Rasasi offers more than scent. It offers storytelling — a journey through heritage, identity, and modern Arab glamour. This Eid, celebrate with scent. Celebrate with Rasasi.
