E-Paper
Sign In
UAE announces Eid Al Adha prayer timings across emirates
The country has declared a four-day public holiday for the occasion and the break begins on Thursday, June 5, — the day of Arafah — and continues until Sunday, June 8
- PUBLISHED: Sun 1 Jun 2025, 4:04 PM UPDATED: Thu 5 Jun 2025, 1:37 PM
UAE residents are gearing up for a four-day break to celebrate the Islamic festival of Eid Al Adha. More than just a public holiday, the festival holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims. It is observed a day after Arafah, the holiest day in Islam, and is marked by prayers, celebrations, and festive meals shared with loved ones.
The UAE has declared a four-day public holiday for the occasion. The break begins on Thursday, June 5, — the day of Arafah — and continues until Sunday, June 8. Eid Al Adha itself falls on Friday, June 6. This year, the occasion is especially significant for Muslims, as it coincides with Friday (Jumuah) prayers, meaning both the Eid and Jumuah prayers will be held on the same day, each accompanied by a sermon.
Recommended For You
The UAE Fatwa Council recently clarified that Eid and Jumuah prayers will be observed separately and at their respective times.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Khaleej Times analysed the Hijri calendar issued by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre to calculate the Eid Al Adha prayer timings for 2025. Based on these calculations — and the fact that Eid prayers are typically held about 20 minutes after sunrise — here are the timings across the UAE. These timings have been confirmed after the official announcement by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat on June 5.
Abu Dhabi: 5.50am
Dubai: 5.45am
Sharjah: 5.44am
Ajman: 5.44am
Umm Al Quwain: 5.43am
Ras Al Khaimah: 5.41am
Fujairah: 5.41am
Dhafra: 5.55am
Al Ain city: 5.43am
What happens on Eid day?
On Eid morning, Muslims dress in their finest clothes and head to mosques or large open spaces called musallahs shortly after sunrise to perform the Eid prayer. These spaces fill quickly with men, women, children, and the elderly, all gathering to offer the prayer in congregation.
Prayer areas typically open from the Fajr (dawn) prayer, with the Eid takbir (chants glorifying God) echoing from mosques until the start of the special prayer. After the prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon, and the festivities begin — often starting with warm embraces among family and friends.
A key tradition of Eid Al Adha is the sacrifice of livestock, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The meat is then distributed among family, friends, and those in need, symbolising charity, community, and compassion.
As Associate Editor, Sahim Salim helps tell the UAE story like no one else does — and leads a team of reporters that asks the questions to get news and headlines that matter.