Residents will get a four-day holiday to mark the festival
The Islamic month of Zul Hijjah is likely to begin on Thursday, June 30, as per astronomical calculations. The festival of Eid Al Adha, which is marked on Zul Hijjah 10, will fall on July 9, according to the Emirates Astronomical Society.
Muslims mark the Day of Arafah on Zul Hijjah 9. The corresponding Gregorian date of the day is Friday, July 8, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, head of the society.
UAE residents will get a four-day break to mark the festival. The break includes the Day of Arafah and three days of Eid Al Adha.
As per astronomical calculations, this would likely be from Friday, July 8, to Monday, July 11.
Travel demand is expected to peak around this time, with many Emiratis and expats going for vacations.
Marked on Zul Hijjah 9, it is the holiest day for Muslims. Haj pilgrims spend the day on a hill called Arafah, repenting for their sins. It was from here that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave his last sermon.
Muslims who couldn’t go for the Haj pilgrimage fast on the day.
Eid Al Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is marked by offering special prayers. Muslims slaughter livestock — usually, a goat, sheep, cow or camel — to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith.
The festival celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son based on Allah’s command. Before the sacrifice happened, Allah provided him with a ram that the prophet then slaughtered.
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