The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed that Eid-ul-Adha 2025 will be celebrated on Friday, June 6, following the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon. The announcement sets the global Islamic calendar for the year’s most significant religious observance, with millions of Muslims worldwide preparing for Hajj and the Festival of Sacrifice.
Key Dates and Religious Significance
- Arafat Day (Dhul Hijjah 9): Thursday, June 5, 2025
- Eid-ul-Adha (Dhul Hijjah 10-13): Friday, June 6 – Monday, June 9, 2025
- Hajj Pilgrimage: June 1–6, 2025 (culminating on Arafat Day)
The declaration aligns with astronomical predictions and ensures synchronized celebrations across Muslim-majority nations, including the UAE, Egypt, and Indonesia.
Expected Economic and Social Impact
- Travel Surge
- Saudi Arabia anticipates 2.5 million pilgrims for Hajj 2025.
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) forecasts 1.8 million travelers during Eid.
- Retail and Hospitality Boom
- Eid sales are projected to exceed $6 billion in the GCC.
- Hotels in Makkah and Madinah report 95% occupancy.
- Charity and Sacrifice (Qurbani) Initiatives
- Islamic Relief and Red Crescent target 1 million Qurbani donations globally.
- Saudi government to distribute 500,000 sacrificial meat packages to needy families.
Government and Private Sector Holidays
- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar: June 5–9 (public and private sectors).
- Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia: June 6–9 (varies by moon sighting).
- Oman, Kuwait: Extended holidays until June 10.
Technology and Moon Sighting Verification
- Saudi Arabia’s National Astronomy Center confirmed the crescent via AI-powered telescopic imaging.
- UAE’s Ibrahim Al Jarwan Committee endorsed the sighting, ensuring GCC-wide alignment.
Global Muslim Community Preparations
- Mosques worldwide expand Eid prayer spaces to accommodate social distancing measures (post-pandemic adjustments).
- Halal certification bodies ramp up Qurbani meat inspections.