Eid-ul-Adha 2025: Qatar workers may enjoy holidays longer than 5 days post crescent moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH
As the summer heat begins to settle across the Gulf, residents of Qatar can look forward to a meaningful pause in their busy routines — thanks to the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha (also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Bakhreid, Eid-ul-Zuha, Eid al-Adha, Eid Qurban, Qurban Bayarami or the Feast of Sacrifice) holidays, officially announced by the Qatari government.
In a recent update published in the Official Gazette, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani approved the Cabinet's decision regarding public holidays for government entities, ministries and public institutions. As per the new announcement, Qatar will observe a five-day holiday for Eid-ul-Adha, beginning from the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah through the end of the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah — aligning the break with the spiritual and communal essence of the occasion.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most sacred Islamic holidays, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering faith and willingness to sacrifice. In Qatar, the first day of the festival is expected to fall on Friday, June 6, 2025, following Arafah Day on Thursday, June 5, although the exact dates are subject to the official moon sighting, a cherished tradition across the Islamic world.
To make the most of the long weekend, residents can expect a five-day public holiday, which could extend even further. The Gazette confirms that if a single working day falls between two official holidays, it will be considered a holiday as well.
Additionally, if the weekend coincides with the holiday period, those days are also included in the official break — offering families and individuals the opportunity for extended travel, staycations or peaceful time at home.
Qatar's announcement mirrors similar updates across the Gulf. In Kuwait, Eid-ul-Adha holidays have been confirmed from June 5 to June 9, while in the UAE, public sector employees can expect a three-day break following Arafah Day, extending from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8 — again, all pending official moon sighting confirmation.
More than just a public holiday, Eid-ul-Adha is a time for spiritual reflection, community connection and giving back. While many will observe the sacred rituals, including the symbolic cattle sacrifice and distribution of meat among the needy, others may use this tranquil stretch of time to reconnect with loved ones, enjoy quiet luxury at home or explore travel options in and around Qatar.
As the countdown to Eid-ul-Adha 2025 begins, now is the perfect time to start planning how you will spend this meaningful and restful holiday. Whether it is preparing traditional meals, joining communal prayers or simply slowing down, Qatar's Eid-il-Adha holiday offers a perfect balance of celebration and serenity.
Mark your calendars and keep an eye on the moon as the official start of Dhul Hijjah will be confirmed following the crescent moon sighting expected on May 27 or 28. Until then, it is time to prep your plans and look forward to a well-earned pause.
Stay tuned for more festive updates and lifestyle guides on how to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha in style, from travel inspo to meaningful traditions.
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This sentiment, echoed in all great religious philosophies, holds especially true for institutions like waqf, which cannot afford to remain frozen in time. To claim that modernization equals marginalization is a dangerous inversion of logic. It is akin to saying a leaking roof must not be repaired because the house is old. What good is heritage if it cannot serve the present and secure the future? A call to the community: Rise above fear, embrace reform The real danger to Muslim waqf institutions is not the government, but those who trade fear for influence. These reform-blockers often have vested interests in the opacity of the system. They are not protecting the community, they are protecting their control over its assets. True leadership lies in empowering the community with clean, audited, and high-functioning institutions. That is precisely what this amendment seeks to do. The future is faith with accountability India is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. Its strength lies in the coexistence of faith and law, tradition and innovation. Reforms to the Waqf Act are not an attack, they are an opportunity. An opportunity to protect legacy, ensure justice, and unlock the potential of community wealth for generations to come. Let us not allow motivated voices to derail a reform that holds the promise of dignity, transparency, and progress for the Indian Muslim community. Let facts, not fear, lead the way. The recent legislative changes offer a promising framework. It is time to rise above politically motivated noise, embrace reform, and ensure that the legacy of waqf becomes one of hope, progress, and dignity – not just for Muslims, but for the Indian nation as a whole. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
