Emirati residents will enjoy a four-day weekend for Eid Al Adha next month, no matter when the crescent moon is sighted. Now that the expected dates for the upcoming Islamic holiday are becoming clearer, many people have started booking holidays and short vacation trips.
Safeer Mohammed from Smart Travel said that after Qatar and Kuwait had announced their Eid holiday dates, things became clearer to Emirati residents too. He added that after their announcement, they got many requests for bookings and reservations. Most people are choosing visa-free destinations like the CIS countries for the upcoming 4-day holiday.
Crescent Moon Sighting Points to June 6 for Eid Al Adha
According to the latest updates from the IAC, the crescent moon signaling the start of Dhul Hijjah is likely to be seen on May 27. IAC’s Director, Engineer Mohammed Shawkat Odeh, said that the moon will be visible on that day in places like Central and Western Asia, and most parts of Africa and Europe.
He said it can be seen in these places with a telescope. He further added that in many parts of the Americas, people may even be able to witness its sighting with the naked eye. This means that Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha will fall on June 5 and June 6, respectively, in most of the Islamic nations.
4-day Eid Break in UAE: Travel Bookings Rise Before June Holiday
Travel bookings rise in the UAE due to the upcoming 4-day Eid break in June. There is a strong demand for Eid holiday packages. Mohamed Kasim from Akbar Travelers said that most of their tours are now sold out. He added that, apart from CIS countries, Kenya and Egypt have become very popular destinations this time. Many people are choosing to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Kunaal Nanik from Macropolo Holidays said that he also noticed a big change in how Emirati residents are planning the upcoming holidays. He added that many are choosing longer holidays.
Since Eid falls during summer, European countries are still the favorite choice, especially for those travelers who have already applied for Schengen visas, showing they are aware of the limited appointment availability. The travelers are also showing their interest in the Balkans, since people with long-term US, UK, or Schengen visas can get a visa-on-arrival there.
Safeer added that many travelers are choosing shorter trips, usually around four nights and five days, for the upcoming Eid Al Adha 2025 holiday, and prices play a major role in this decision. He also said that one of their most popular packages is their trip to Baku, which they sell for AED 1,999. They also offered trips to Tashkent for AED 2,10 and a joint tour to Armenia and Georgia for AED 2,599. This rise in dynamic travel planning during Eid is seen by many as a best startup story in the UAE’s growing travel industry.
Eid Al Adha 2025: 4-Day Holiday for UAE Residents
In 2025, Dhul Qadah will fall on May 27. If the crescent moon is seen on May 26, then May 28 will be the first Dhul Hijjah, and Eid will be on June 6.
But if the moon is not seen on Tuesday, then Dhul Hijjah will start on Thursday, May 29, and Eid will fall on June 7. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court asked people to observe the crescent moon sighting on Tuesday evening to confirm the festival dates.
According to a UAE Cabinet rule, the Eid Al Adha holidays are from 9 to 12 Dhul Hijjah, which includes a day of Arafat and the first three days of Eid. Also, an expert at IAC has said that the crescent moon will probably appear on May 27.
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