If you’re already marking your calendar for Eid al-Adha 2025, you’re not alone—this is the “big Eid” that millions look forward to each year. As of late May 2025, the Dhul Hijjah crescent has been sighted in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, locking in the start for most of the Muslim world.
Expected start date: Evening of Friday, June 6, 2025 ·
Expected end date: Evening of Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (West Asia, Europe, North America) ·
Confirmed by: Islamic Foundation of Ireland and other authorities ·
Public holiday in: Many Muslim-majority countries and some with Muslim minorities ·
Number of days: 4 days (varies by region)
Quick snapshot
- Eid al-Adha 2025 starts evening June 6 (Khaleej Times (UAE news outlet))
- Day of Arafah is June 5 (Hindustan Times (Indian newspaper))
- Exact start in regions relying on local moon sighting may shift to June 7 (Hindustan Times)
- India and Pakistan likely June 7 or 8 (Hindustan Times)
- Dhul Hijjah crescent sighted on May 27, 2025 in UAE and Saudi Arabia (Khaleej Times)
- First day of Dhul Hijjah: May 28 in UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Oman (Khaleej Times)
- Eid celebrations begin June 6 across most Arab states (Khaleej Times)
- South Asian communities to confirm on May 28 (Hindustan Times)
Key dates and confirmations are outlined below.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Eid al-Adha 2025 Start Date | June 6 (evening) |
| Eid al-Adha 2025 End Date | June 10 (evening) |
| Day of Arafah | June 5, 2025 |
| Number of Days | 4 |
| Confirmed By | Islamic Foundation of Ireland, BBC |
What is the expected date of Eid ul-Adha 2025?
Expected start and end dates
Astronomical calculations and moon-sighting reports now point to a clear window: Eid al-Adha 2025 begins on the evening of Friday, June 6, and ends on the evening of Tuesday, June 10, 2025, for most of West Asia, Europe, and North America. BBC Bitesize (UK educational service) confirms this timeline, noting that the four-day festival will wrap up by Tuesday night.
June 6 is now the anchor date for the majority of the Muslim world, but local moon sighting can still push it by a day in pockets of South Asia.
The implication: travelers and families should plan around June 6 as the primary date while remaining flexible for regional differences.
Date according to astronomical calculations
The Emirates Astronomy Society predicted that the Dhul Hijjah crescent would be visible on May 27 — a call that proved accurate when the crescent was indeed sighted that evening across the Gulf region. The Peninsula Qatar (Qatar-based news agency) reported that Saudi Arabia also confirmed the sighting, making June 6 the first day of Eid in the kingdom.
Astronomical predictions matched actual sightings, reinforcing confidence in the date for many countries.
Date confirmed by Islamic bodies
Among the earliest official confirmations came from the Islamic Foundation of Ireland (religious authority), which declared that Eid al-Adha 2025 would begin on June 6. This gave Muslims in Europe a firm date months in advance, though for many countries the final word rests with local moon-sighting committees.
Has Eid been confirmed in 2025?
Official announcements from religious authorities
Yes — the Islamic Foundation of Ireland, the UAE’s moon-sighting committee, and Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court have all confirmed the date based on the May 27 sighting. Khaleej Times reported that the UAE called for public sighting on the evening of May 27, and after the crescent was spotted, the government officially declared June 6 the start of Eid al-Adha.
Saudi Arabia’s role
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court confirmed the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent on May 27, setting the first day of the month as May 28. This pushed Eid al-Adha to June 6 across the kingdom. Because many other Muslim-majority nations — including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE — follow Saudi’s lead, a unified date for the region has emerged.
Confirmation status in different countries
For countries that rely on independent moon sightings, such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the confirmation will come later — typically a day after Saudi Arabia’s announcement. Hindustan Times notes that these South Asian nations will sight the moon on May 28, making Eid likely fall on June 7 or 8.
For travelers or families split across continents, the one-day gap means planning international calls or virtual celebrations around two potential Eid dates — June 6 for Arab states, June 7 or 8 for South Asia.
The pattern: confirmations are consistent across Gulf states, but South Asia requires a wait of 24 hours for local sighting.
Is Eid al-Adha a holiday in 2025?
Countries where it is a public holiday
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in every Muslim-majority country, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt. Many non-majority nations with significant Muslim populations — such as India, the UK, and the United States — do not grant an official public holiday, though some schools and businesses may close.
Philippines declaration
In the Philippines, President Bongbong Marcos declared June 6, 2025 a regular holiday for the observance of Eid’l Adha, giving Filipino Muslims a paid day off. This move reflects the country’s recognition of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Days off for UAE residents
According to Khaleej Times, UAE residents will enjoy a four-day break: Arafat Day (Thursday, June 5) through the third day of Eid (Sunday, June 8). Some government employees may get additional days, making a potential six-day weekend.
“Eid al-Adha is a time of sacrifice and gratitude — a reminder of shared faith across borders.”
— Islamic Foundation of Ireland, announcing the 2025 date
When is Eid al-Adha 2025 in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, and India?
Date in UAE
The UAE follows the same moon-sighting as Saudi Arabia, so Eid begins on the evening of June 6. Public holidays are set for June 5–8.
Date in Saudi Arabia
Confirmed June 6, based on the May 27 crescent sighting. The day of Arafah falls on June 5.
Date in UK
Most UK mosques follow Saudi Arabia’s dates, meaning June 6 is the likely start. The BBC confirms that Eid ul-Adha will begin on the evening of Friday, June 6 and end on Tuesday, June 10.
Date in India
India’s moon-sighting committee will convene on the evening of May 28. Historically, India celebrates Eid al-Adha one day after Saudi Arabia, so June 7 is the most probable date. The Times of India explains that the lunar calendar’s local observation creates this one-day lag.
What date is the big Eid?
Difference between big Eid and small Eid
Eid al-Adha is known as the “big Eid” (Eid al-Kabir in Arabic), while Eid al-Fitr — the festival at the end of Ramadan — is called the “small Eid” (Eid al-Saghir). The distinction comes from the length of the festival (Eid al-Adha lasts four days versus one day for Eid al-Fitr) and the greater religious significance of the Hajj season.
Why Eid al-Adha is called the big Eid
Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, and it coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage. The bigger scale of rituals — animal sacrifice, longer celebrations, global unity — earns it the “big Eid” title. In 2025, Eid al-Fitr fell on March 30, while Eid al-Adha lands on June 6, making it the second major festival of the Islamic year.
“Eid ul-Adha will begin on the evening of Friday 6 June and end on the evening of Tuesday 10 June.”
— BBC Bitesize, educational resource
Timeline: Key dates for Eid al-Adha 2025
- Late May 2025: Preliminary announcements from Islamic centers; Dhul Hijjah crescent sighted on May 27 in UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Oman (Khaleej Times).
- June 5, 2025: Day of Arafah — the most important day of Hajj.
- June 6, 2025 (evening): Eid al-Adha begins in most Arab states, the UK, and Europe (BBC).
- June 7, 2025 (evening): Eid begins in parts of South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) after local moon sighting (Hindustan Times).
- June 10, 2025 (evening): Eid al-Adha ends for most regions.
The pattern: a clear split between Gulf/Europe (June 6) and South Asia (June 7) defines the 2025 calendar.
Confirmed vs. uncertain: What we know
Confirmed facts
- Eid al-Adha 2025 will be observed in June.
- Day of Arafah is June 5 (based on astronomical calculation and actual sighting).
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Ireland have confirmed June 6 (Khaleej Times).
- Philippines declared June 6 a regular holiday for Eid’l Adha (GMA News).
What remains unclear
- Exact start date in India and Pakistan — will be decided after local moon sighting on May 28.
- Some communities may follow different calendars (e.g., some follow a calculated calendar rather than physical sighting).
- Potential for June 7 start in parts of Europe if mosques adopt a different calculation.
- Whether some regions will observe Eid on June 6 or 7 depends on local moon sighting committees, which have not yet announced decisions for all areas.
“PBBM declares June 6 regular holiday for Eid’l Adha observance.”
— Philippine News Agency, reporting on Presidential Proclamation
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For a detailed breakdown of how the date varies across different regions, check out this guide on Eid ul Adha 2025 dates by country.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, lasts one day, and involves charity and feasting. Eid al-Adha lasts four days, coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage, and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
How is the date of Eid al-Adha determined?
It is based on the lunar Islamic calendar — specifically the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah. If the moon is sighted, Eid falls on the 10th day of that month.
Why does the date vary by country?
Different countries use different methods: some rely on physical sighting by local committees, others follow astronomical calculations, and many defer to Saudi Arabia’s announcement.
What is the significance of the Day of Arafah?
It is the day when pilgrims stand in prayer on the plain of Arafah, and it is considered the most important day of Hajj. For non-pilgrims, it is a recommended day of fasting.
How long does Eid al-Adha last?
Officially four days (10th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah), but public holidays vary from one to four days depending on the country.
What are common greetings for Eid al-Adha?
Common greetings include “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) and “Eid Sa’id” (Happy Eid). Saying “Happy Eid Mubarak” is redundant but widely used colloquially.
Is it mandatory to sacrifice an animal?
For those who can afford it, sacrificing a sheep, goat, cow, or camel is a confirmed Sunnah (recommended) but not obligatory. The meat is shared with family, friends, and the poor.
Can I wish someone “Happy Eid Mubarak”?
Yes — while “Eid Mubarak” alone is standard, “Happy Eid Mubarak” is a common English-friendly hybrid that many Muslims accept and use.
For the millions preparing for the “big Eid,” the confirmed June 6 date offers clarity — but travellers, families, and community organisers in South Asia must stay flexible. The catch: local moon sighting on May 28 will set the final date for India and Pakistan. For those planning international gatherings or public events, the safest bet is to treat June 6 as the primary date and June 7 as a backup for South Asian communities — or risk missing the celebration altogether.
Rachel Bennett leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Australia Current.