Eid ul Adha 2025: Confirmed Dates & Guide

For millions of Muslims around the world, the sighting of the crescent moon sets the calendar for the most important days of the year. In 2025, the UAE officially confirmed the start of Dhu al-Hijjah on May 28, placing the Festival of Sacrifice squarely on Friday, June 6. This guide breaks down the confirmed dates, the meaning behind the observance, and the practical steps for celebrating Eid al-Adha.

UAE official holiday: June 5 – 8 ·
Expected date (West Asia, Europe, NA): June 6 – 9 ·
Expected date (South Asia): June 7 – 10 ·
Duration: 4 days ·
Observed by: Muslims worldwide

The table below contrasts the formal confirmation from the UAE with the expected dates for other major regions, highlighting the natural variation caused by the lunar calendar.

The pattern: The Gulf states and Indonesia are aligned on a June 6 start, while South Asia is likely to follow a day later, reflecting the Islamic tradition of local moon sighting.

What is the expected date of Eid ul Adha 2025?

When exactly is Eid al-Adha?

• UAE and Gulf States: The first day of Eid al-Adha is Friday, June 6, 2025.
• South Asia (Pakistan, India): Eid is expected to begin on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
• Global consensus: The observance spans four days, from June 6 to June 9 in most Western and Middle Eastern countries, and June 7 to 10 in South Asia, according to Islamic Foundation of Ireland (official religious body).

The UAE’s moon sighting committee confirmed the crescent on Tuesday evening, May 27, which set the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah to May 28. This made the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah — the first day of Eid — fall on Friday, June 6. Arabian Business (UAE business news) reported that the sighting was clear, leading to an immediate official announcement.

Is Eid al-Adha confirmed?

• Yes, for the UAE. The Islamic Foundation of Ireland also confirmed the date for their community as Friday, June 6, 2025.
• Partially for other regions. Countries like Pakistan and India will make their own announcements after the moon sighting on the 29th of Dhu al-Qa’dah. Historically, this results in a one-day difference.

The implication: travelers and families planning ahead should book their long weekends around the June 6 – 9 window, but remain flexible for local variations.

Where is Eid-ul-Adha in 2025?

• West Asia, Europe, North America: June 6 – 9.
• South Asia: June 7 – 10.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: Mostly June 6 – 9, though some communities may follow the South Asian sighting.

What is Eid-ul-Adha?

Eid al-Adha, which translates to the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the two most significant holidays in Islam. It honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic Foundation of Ireland (official religious body), God provided a ram to sacrifice instead, cementing the themes of faith, devotion, and mercy.

It is often referred to as the “Big Eid” (Eid al-Kabir) to distinguish it from Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. The holiday directly follows the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

The trade-off: while the story is ancient, the modern celebration involves complex logistics, from live animal markets to international travel, making official date confirmations crucial for planning.

Why do Muslims celebrate Eid Adha?

Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha to commemorate the ultimate act of sacrifice and submission to God shown by Prophet Ibrahim. The narrative, which is also respected in Jewish and Christian traditions, emphasizes that true piety lies in the willingness to give up what is most precious.

The celebration also marks the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage. For those not performing Hajj, the Eid prayer and Qurbani (sacrifice) serve as a communal expression of the same spirit of devotion.

The implication: the lunar calendar’s drift means that the 2025 early summer timing will require earlier planning for travel and accommodations compared to previous years.

How is Eid ul-Adha celebrated?

Celebrations begin at sunrise with a special prayer, followed by the sacrifice of an animal. The day is spent visiting family, exchanging gifts, and distributing meat to the less fortunate.

What to do on Eid al-Adha?

• Attend the Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid): This is a mandatory congregational prayer held in large open grounds or mosques. It consists of two rak’ahs followed by a sermon (Khutbah). The UAE’s Eid prayer is scheduled for 6:00 a.m. on June 6, according to the Islamic Foundation of Ireland (official religious body) report.
• Perform Qurbani (Sacrifice): The animal sacrifice is performed after the Eid prayer. The meat is divided into three equal parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.
• Give Charity (Sadaqah): Acts of charity are highly encouraged. Many organizations, like Islamic Relief (global charity), run Qurbani campaigns to deliver meat to vulnerable communities worldwide.
• Wear New Clothes and Exchange Greetings: It is a sunnah (tradition of the Prophet) to wear clean, and preferably new, clothes. Families gather to share meals and exchange gifts.

Steps to perform Qurbani:

1. Ensure the animal (goat, sheep, cow, or camel) is healthy and meets the age requirements.
2. Perform the sacrifice after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, or during the days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, 13th).
3. Recite “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” before the sacrifice.
4. Distribute the meat: one-third to the poor, one-third to relatives, and one-third for personal consumption.

The implication: the global demand for Qurbani services means that donations and bookings should be made weeks in advance to ensure availability.

How to wish someone a happy Eid?

The most common and universally understood greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid). Other traditional greetings include “Eid Sa’id” (Happy Eid) and the more formal Arabic phrase “Kul ‘am wa antum bi-khayr” (May you be well every year).

In the UAE, it is common to see “Eid Mubarak” displayed on buildings, in shopping malls, and across social media. Wishing someone a happy Eid is a simple but powerful way to join in the communal spirit of the holiday.

Why this matters for 2025: The confirmation of Eid al-Adha on June 6 provides certainty for the Gulf region, while the expected one-day delay in South Asia reaffirms the traditional, decentralized approach to the Islamic calendar. For the global Muslim community, this means a staggered start to the festivities, but a shared spirit of sacrifice and charity. For the UAE, the long weekend presents a significant economic boost to the travel and hospitality sectors, as residents and visitors look to maximize the break.

Frequently asked questions