Last night, on the evening of May 27, the moon sighting was confirmed by the government, and so too were the official dates of Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha.

A significant celebration in Islam, Eid al-Adha is known as the Festival of Sacrifice, and is observed on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah. Across the Muslim world, Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder of faith, gratitude, and the importance of giving, strengthening communal ties and spiritual reflection.

When will Eid al-Adha be celebrated in Saudi?

Hajj at Makkah via unsplash haidan

Goat Eid al Adha via unsplash mehdi-el-marouazi

Following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday, May 27, the Supreme Court declared that Wednesday, May 28 would be the first day of Dhul Hijjah, the sacred month during which Hajj takes place. And as a result, in Saudi Arabia, Arafat Day, the most significant day of Hajj, will fall on Thursday, June 5 and will be a public holiday across the Kingdom. Whilst Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, will also then be observed on Friday, June 6.

This means that the official holiday dates for Eid al-Adha will fall on Thursday June 5, and Friday June 6, and tentatively concluding on Sunday June 8. With this in mind, many companies across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region will opt to extend the holiday dates and give employees a longer vacation to celebrate

The Saudi government has appointed Imam Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid to deliver the Arafah Day sermon for Hajj 2025, a significant moment in the Islamic calendar. The Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque made the official announcement, confirming the approval of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. As Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid will lead this sacred address, guiding millions of pilgrims in prayer and reflection on one of the most spiritually profound days of Hajj.

What is Eid al-Adha?

Hajj at Makkah via unsplash omer-f-arslan

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.

The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) unwavering faith and devotion to God, as demonstrated through his willingness to sacrifice his son—before God intervened and provided a ram instead. Eid al-Adha is a time of spiritual reflection, generosity, and communal unity, marked by special prayers, charitable giving, and the symbolic act of sacrificing livestock.

The ritual sacrifice of livestock is a tradition central to Eid al-Adha, including sheep, goats, and cows, with the meat divided into three portions: one for family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need.

Beyond its religious significance, the festival fosters a sense of togetherness, as families gather to celebrate, exchange gifts, and extend kindness to others.

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