As we enter the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah, people across the Middle East are gearing up for one of the most meaningful Islamic celebrations of the year, Eid Al Adha 2025. This festival not only brings families and communities together, but also reflects a profound story of faith, obedience, and sacrifice.
Eid Al Adha is tied to the Islamic lunar calendar, so its exact dates depend on moon sightings. However, many Middle Eastern countries have now officially announced Eid Al Adha 2025 will be observed on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Whether you’re looking forward to family gatherings, staycations, or simply understanding the deeper meaning behind Eid, here’s everything you need to know.
Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Across the Middle East
Here’s a country-by-country breakdown of Eid Al Adha 2025 dates and holidays in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, being the epicenter of the Hajj pilgrimage, will celebrate Eid Al Adha 2025 on Friday, June 6, 2025, as Dhul Hijjah began on Wednesday, May 28.
United Arab Emirates
Eid Al Adha in UAE is going to bring a long weekend! The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has declared a four-day holiday for federal employees:
Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, 2025. This means fun time for most residents!
Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Udhiya (Qurbani) in UAE
Qatar
Qatar has confirmed May 28 as the first day of Dhul Hijjah, which sets Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6, 2025. Expect official holidays to fall around this date.
Oman
The Omani authorities have aligned their calendar similarly, declaring June 6 as Eid Al Adha, following the sighting of the new moon on May 28.
Kuwait
Kuwait’s Al Ojairi Scientific Centre has officially stated that Eid-ul-Adha 2025 will be observed on Friday, June 6, 2025, keeping in line with regional consensus.
Remember: Some countries may confirm exact public holiday days closer to the date depending on moon sightings.
Expected Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates in Other Middle Eastern Countries
These countries typically follow either Saudi Arabia or local moon sightings, and based on astronomical data, are expected to observe Eid on June 6:
Bahrain
Expected Eid Al Adha 2025: Friday, June 6. Public sector holidays likely from June 5–8.
Jordan
Expected Eid Al Adha 2025: Friday, June 6 Jordan usually observes a 4-day holiday starting Arafat Day (June 5).
Lebanon
Expected Eid Al Adha: Friday, June 6. Lebanon aligns with Saudi Arabia for most Islamic holidays.
Egypt
Egypt typically follows the moon sighting decisions from Saudi Arabia. The Eid Al Adha holiday is expected to start on Friday, June 6, 2025, with public sector holidays likely running from Thursday, June 5 to Monday, June 9.
Iraq
Expected Eid Al Adha 2025: Friday, June 6. Public holidays depend on sectarian governance (Sunni vs Shia regions), but June 6 is most likely for both.
Syria
Expected Eid Al Adha 2025: Friday, June 6. Likely follows Saudi Arabia’s calendar.
Yemen
Expected Eid Al Adha 2025: Friday, June 6. Aligned with Saudi Arabia in most region.
Palestine
In Palestine (including the West Bank and Gaza), Eid Al Adha is usually observed in sync with Saudi Arabia. The holiday is expected to begin on Friday, June 6, with official announcements made by the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Quick Recap: When is Eid Al Adha 2025 in Middle East?
| Country | Eid Al Adha 2025 Date | Public Holidays (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Friday, June 6 | June 5-8 |
| UAE | Friday, June 6 | June 5–8 (4-day break) |
| Qatar | Friday, June 6 | June 5–8 |
| Oman | Friday, June 6 | Likely June 5–8 |
| Kuwait | Friday, June 6 | June 5–8 |
| Egypt | Friday, June 6 | June 5–9 (TBC) |
| Jordan | Friday, June 6 | June 5–9 (TBC) |
| Lebanon | Friday, June 6 | June 6 (possibly June 7 too) |
| Syria | Friday, June 6 | June 6–8 |
| Iraq | Friday, June 6 | June 5–8 (regionally flexible) |
| Palestine | Friday, June 6 | June 6–8 |
| Iran | Saturday, June 7 | June 7–9 |
| Yemen | Friday, June 6 | June 6–8 |
Please Note: Public holidays may vary based on moon sightings and official announcements. Always check with your local government for the final word.
What is Eid Al Adha?
Eid Al Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Before the sacrifice could happen, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead symbolizing divine mercy and submission to God’s will.
Muslims across the globe honor this story by offering Qurbani (sacrifice), typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel and distributing the meat to family, friends, and those in need.
Core Elements of Eid Al Adha:
- Special prayers performed at mosques and open grounds
- Sacrificial meat shared in three parts: one for family, one for relatives/friends, and one for the less fortunate
- Charity and giving, which is central to the celebration
- Festive meals, gatherings, and new clothes
What is Arafat Day?
The day before Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day holds deep spiritual significance. It falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (this year, Thursday, June 5, 2025), and marks the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage.
On this day, pilgrims gather on the plains of Mount Arafat, just outside Makkah, for standing in prayer (Wuquf), the most crucial rite of Hajj.
For Muslims who aren’t performing Hajj, it’s highly recommended to fast on Arafat Day, as it’s believed to expiate sins from the past and coming year.
Also Read: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Main Hajj Rituals
Eid Al Adha in Middle East: From Gold-Plated Feasts to Grandma’s Grape Leaves
Eid Al Adha isn’t a one-size-fits-all celebration. Sure, there’s the sacrifice, prayers, and giving but how people celebrate? That’s where it gets interesting.
Here’s how Eid hits different across the Middle East, depending on where you are:
The Gulf: Glam Eid & Michelin-Level Lamb
If you’re in Dubai, Riyadh, or Doha, expect designer thobes, mega brunches, and halal-but-high-end everything.
- Sacrifice? Most people now book it through an app — no mess, no stress.
- Food? Think machboos, harees, lamb ouzi, and desserts stacked like it’s a wedding.
- Vibes? Malls drop sales like confetti, fireworks light up the skyline, and majlises turn into feasting marathons.
Even the airport lounges feel Eid-ready.
The Levant: Where Eid Still Feels Like Home
In places like Amman, Beirut, and Ramallah, Eid is more low-key but full of soul.
- Family first. Prayers in the morning, grave visits after, and by noon you’re stuffing grape leaves and arguing over how much maamoul is too much.
- Kids in crisp new clothes roam from house to house collecting Eidiya (cash is king).
- Sacrifices still happen the old-school way, your uncle probably insists on doing it himself.
It’s heartfelt, loud, a little chaotic and completely unforgettable.
Eid with Edge: Grit Meets Generosity
In Cairo, Baghdad, and Damascus, Eid is both tradition and resilience.
- Streets fill with the smell of grilled liver and fatta (rice, bread, lamb, and serious garlic).
- Music blares, families crowd balconies, and there’s always a neighbor handing you a plate “just because.”
- Life isn’t always easy, but Eid brings out the best in everyone, sharing, checking in, making it work.
Whether you’re chilling in a luxury hotel in Muscat or sharing qurbani meat with neighbors in Irbid, Eid Al Adha brings out this region’s most beautiful side: faith, food, and fierce community love. So wherever you are this year, know that Eid is more than just a holiday. It’s a moment. And everyone celebrates it in their own unforgettable way.
Final Thoughts:
Eid Al Adha is more than just a long weekend or a public holiday, it’s a time for spiritual renewal, family unity, and giving back to the community. Whether you’re in Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Muscat, or Kuwait City, the essence of Eid remains the same: sacrifice, compassion, and faith.
So, mark your calendars for Friday, June 6, 2025, and don’t forget that Arafat Day is Thursday, June 5. Expect many parts of the Middle East to enjoy an extended break from June 5–8, giving you the perfect chance to reset and reconnect.
Stay tuned to Marhabein for Eid guides, prayer timings, halal food recommendations, and what’s open during the holidays in your city!
