We Have Exciting News – The Next Public Holiday in the UAE is Just Around the Corner

If you're in need of a break, we have some great news! According to Gulf News, Eid al-Adha is expected to take place on Friday, July 31.

According to the daily news publication, the crescent of the lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah 1441 is expected to be spotted on Monday, July 20, 2020, at 9.33 pm (GMT+4).

A member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, further explained that July 22 will mark the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah month and that Friday, July 31, is expected to be the first day of Eid al-Adha.

Should Eid al-Adha fall on July 31, UAE public and private sector employees will receive three days off in celebration of the Muslim holiday.

In More Detail:

Eid al-Adha (the sacrifice feast) is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and lasts until the thirteenth day. It commemorates the day that Allah appeared to Prophet Ibrahim in a dream, asking him to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience.

As Prophet Ibrahim was getting ready to sacrifice his son, Allah stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice in his son's place.

Therefore, Eid al-Adha is a celebration of Prophet Ibrahim's devotion to the lord.

Traditionally, the religious celebration involves a bath, pre-dawn prayers, and new clothes, much like the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. After this, Muslims perform the slaughter and prayers of the sacrificed animal. Meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three shares; family, close friends and neighbors, and those less fortunate.

In addition to this, many Muslims traditionally visit one another's homes and share gifts with friends and loved ones. A charitable contribution is usually also involved.

The celebration of Eid al-Adha coincides with Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, in which all financially and physically able Muslims must undertake at least once in their lifetime.

Aside from Eid al-Adha, we've shortlisted the remaining UAE public holidays below.

Islamic New Year

The Hijri New Year will take place on Muharram 1, which is expected to take place on either Wednesday, Aug. 19, or Thursday, Aug. 20.

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Prophet Muhammed's birthday will fall on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' Al Awwal, which is expected to take place on either Wednesday, Oct. 28, or Thursday, Oct. 29 of this year.

Commemoration Day and National Day

Commemoration Day will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 1, with National Day set to take place from Wednesday, Dec. 2 to Thursday, Dec. 3.

Click here for more news, updates, and information about public holidays in the UAE.