Eid al-Adha is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar (Hijri calendar). Muslims from all over the world celebrate it. In English, the words “Eid al-Adha” mean “Festival of the Sacrifice.”
It is a public holiday in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for public and private sector employees.
Muslims from all over the world and across all cultures have been celebrating Eid al-Adha for centuries. It honours Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. The prophet was prepared to obey God’s order, but an angel intervened and provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice.
The holiday provides an opportunity for families and communities to come together in celebration. In particular, this holiday emphasises generosity towards family members, friends, neighbours, and those less fortunate than oneself through acts such as gifting food items or money.
Dates
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. It coincides with the end of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. All able-bodied Muslims must perform the Hajj at least once in their lives because it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Arafah Day, the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah and the day before Eid al-Adha, is also a public holiday.
In 2023, Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on Wednesday, June 28. It is a three-day holiday. The UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources publishes the precise dates a short time before and announces them in publications like the Khaleej Times.
In 2023, residents in Dubai can look forward to a long break. It will start with the public holiday for Arafat Day on Tuesday, June 27. A three-day public holiday for Eid al-Adha will take place after this, from Wednesday, June 28, to Friday, June 30. As Friday and Saturday are the weekend in Dubai, residents will have a further two days off before work resumes on Monday.
The break will be six days in total. Many residents will take advantage of this time off to take an overseas vacation.
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. It has 12 months, but only 354 days. It is shorter than the Gregorian (Western) calendar. The Islamic calendar and the Gregorian calendar differ by 11 days each year, so Eid Al Adha shifts ahead 11 days on the Gregorian calendar each year.
Changes and Events
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday for both the public and private sectors in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Shoppers will find stores and shopping malls open later than usual. Restaurants and tourist attractions are open and bustling with visitors. Many of these locations hold special events such as fireworks displays. They also offer discounts and promotions.
The Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram have later operating hours, as do buses. Car parking is usually free. Check the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) website for further details and precise timings.
Most offices, banks, and government departments in Dubai will be closed.
History and Significance
Eid al-Adha is an ancient tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to God’s command. The festival serves as a reminder for Muslims to follow divine will, no matter how difficult it may seem.
The ritual of sacrificing animals on this day also has a special meaning because it represents giving up one’s ego before God. During Eid al-Adha, millions of people come together from all corners of the UAE in unified celebration, regardless of their faith or background.
Celebrations and Customs
On the morning of this special day, Muslims offer prayers at mosques to express gratitude towards God for His blessings. Special gatherings take place where families come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and engage in meaningful conversations.
To mark the occasion, people visit family members or friends who reside in different cities across the country. This is a one-of-a-kind chance for people to get closer to each other and strengthen their national identity at the same time. They can also take part in different cultural activities that honour the history and traditions of the area.
Eid al-Adha is a big holiday that brings everyone closer together by reinforcing the Emirati values of kindness and hospitality, which are at the heart of the culture. The festival serves as a reminder for everyone to be generous and compassionate towards others so that every person can experience happiness during this holy season.
During this special occasion, people exchange greetings of peace and love known as “Eid Mubarak” in Arabic. This traditional greeting means “blessed Eid” and is used to wish each other joyous celebrations. It serves as an expression of gratitude towards God for the blessings bestowed upon them during this holy season.
In addition to the exchange of greetings, Eid al-Adha is also a time for feasting and gift-giving. Traditional Emirati cuisine such as sheep meat, rice, and various spices are typically served during this festive period. Food brings people together in celebration and expresses the sentiment that no one should be excluded from the joyous atmosphere.
Gift giving has long been an important part of many cultures around the world, including those found in the UAE. On Eid al-Adha, gifts are usually given to family members or close friends with whom one shares a strong bond of friendship. These presents signify appreciation for their presence in one’s life and serve as tokens of thanks for all that they have done throughout the year.
Charitable Acts
The holiday of Eid al-Adha is also linked to acts of charity that show the spirit of giving and kindness towards those who have less. This is a special time for Muslims to thank God for all the good things that have happened to them and to give some of these gifts to people who need them.
It’s a good reminder of how lucky one should feel when they can give back to their community. It can be very satisfying to know that your help has made someone else’s life better.
Mosques all over the UAE put on different events, such as giving out food baskets or giving money to poor families, while asking people to give whatever they can.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is the other official Islamic holiday of the year. It is the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Hijri calendar. It follows Ramadan, the holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
