Eid al-Adha, the latter of the two esteemed Islamic holidays observed annually by Muslims worldwide, is a time of profound reflection and joyous celebration. This significant occasion honours the unwavering willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ismail as an ultimate act of obedience to Allah's command. 

In a moment of divine intervention, Allah provided a lamb as a substitute, forever enshrining this testament of faith and submission. 

The festival, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to contemplate the enduring lessons of Prophet Ibrahim's story and to strive to embody these values in their daily lives, actions and unwavering faith.

While Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage rites at Minā, near the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, its spirit of festivity and devotion is embraced by Muslim communities worldwide. Within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Eid al-Adha is a particularly significant time, characterised by devout religious observances, cherished family and social gatherings, cultural expressions and heartfelt acts of charity and generosity towards those in need.

The Sandy Times aims to provide a clear understanding of the anticipated dates and timings for Eid al-Adha in the MENA region for the year 2025. By exploring the significance of this major Islamic festival and examining the factors that determine its timing, we will shed light on when communities across the Middle East and North Africa can expect to partake in these meaningful celebrations.

The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is the guiding framework for Muslims worldwide in marking significant religious events and celebrations. Unlike the solar-based Gregorian calendar, the Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar, intricately linked to the phases of the moon. 

Each month within this system commences and concludes with the sighting of a new moon. Consequently, the Islamic year, spanning approximately 354 or 355 days, is shorter than the Gregorian year.

In the context of the MENA region, the determination of Eid al-Adha's dates is intrinsically tied to this lunar system, specifically the observation of the crescent moon that heralds the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Countries across the region, including prominent nations like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan (wider Middle East region), have established dedicated committees and panels of experts responsible for the official announcement of this crucial moon sighting. These official pronouncements, often made in the days leading up to the anticipated date, serve as the definitive guide for the commencement of Eid al-Adha festivities.

Eid al-Adha itself falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. However, due to the fundamental structural differences between the lunar Islamic calendar and the solar Gregorian calendar, the corresponding Gregorian date for Eids shifts annually. 

The Islamic calendar's reliance on lunar cycles, as opposed to the Earth's orbit around the sun in the Gregorian system, causes the Islamic months to progress through the Gregorian calendar. This inherent difference is why Eid al-Adha occurs on varying Gregorian dates each year, a phenomenon we will further explore in the context of the anticipated dates for 2025 in the MENA region.

In essence, understanding the lunar nature of the Islamic calendar and the meticulous process of moon sighting is key to grasping why pinpointing the exact Gregorian date for Eid al-Adha 2025 requires careful observation and official confirmation within the MENA region.

Based on astronomical calculations and initial reports, Eid al-Adha in the MENA region for 2025 is expected to commence on Friday, June 6, 2025. The Day of Arafah, which precedes Eid al-Adha by one day, is going to fall on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

Official confirmation pending for Eid Al-Adha 2025 moon sighting:

It is crucial to remember that these dates are based on astronomical calculations. The final and official dates for Eid al-Adha will only be confirmed after the actual sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah by designated moon-sighting committees in various countries, including the prominent Saudi Arabia moon-sighting committee. These official announcements are typically made closer to the expected dates.

Across the Middle East, residents are likely anticipating an extended weekend coinciding with Eid al-Adha 2025.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE Cabinet has already approved public holidays for Arafat Day on Thursday, June 5, followed by a three-day break for Eid al-Adha from Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8. This applies to both the public and private sectors, suggesting a potential four-day weekend for many. 

The exact dates for Eid al-Adha 2025 in the UAE will be confirmed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) closer to the time.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is best to check official government announcements and updates from MOHRE. This will ensure you have the latest information on holiday dates and timings.

Wider MENA region: Many other countries in the Middle East are also expected to observe public holidays for Eid al-Adha 2025, typically spanning three to four days. The commencement of these holidays is projected to align with the expected start of Eid on Friday or Saturday, June 6 or 7 depending on the Eid al-Adha moon sighting in each country.

While many countries in the MENA region often celebrate the festival on the same day, particularly those following similar lunar calendar interpretations and moon sighting traditions (such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey), slight variations can occur. This is due to differing methodologies for determining the start of the Islamic month and potential disagreements on the moon sighting. Therefore, it is advisable to await official announcements from each country's religious authorities for the most accurate local dates.