Eid Al Adha 2023: Will it be a five- or six-day weekend in the UAE?

Eid Al Adha, the year’s longest break in the UAE, is just around the corner. Falling just before the two-month summer break, the holiday presents an opportunity for a well-deserved holiday.

However, the burning question remains: will it be a five- or six-day weekend? The duration of the break depends on the sighting of the Moon, which determines the start and end of Islamic Hijri calendar months.

Predicting the likely dates

The official holiday for Eid Al Adha runs from Dhul Hijjah 9 to 12, according to the Islamic calendar. The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar can only be confirmed after the sighting of the Moon, but astronomical calculations suggest that the break is likely to occur from Tuesday, June 27, to Friday, June 30. When combined with the usual Saturday-Sunday weekend, it would then extend into a six-day break.

However, there is a possibility that Dhul Hijjah 9 will fall on Wednesday, June 28. In this scenario, the holiday will last for five days, including the weekend.

When will dates be confirmed?

Eid Al Adha is celebrated in the 12th and final month of the Hijri calendar, known as Dhul Hijjah. Currently, we find ourselves in the 11th month, Dhul Qaidah.

Muslims traditionally search for the crescent Moon on the 29th day of each month, so the crucial date to mark on your calendar is June 18, which is when Dhul Qaidah 29 falls. If the Moon is sighted on the night of June 18, Dhul Hijjah will begin on June 19, setting the stage for the anticipated break from June 27, creating a six-day vacation.

However, if the Moon remains unseen on June 18, Dhul Hijjah will commence on June 20, and the holiday will span from June 28, resulting in a five-day weekend.