Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice) is one of the most significant Islamic holidays. In 2025, the UAE officially confirmed the start date of the holiday: Eid al-Adha begins on June 6. The Crescent Observation Committee recorded the appearance of the new moon on the 29th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, with astronomers, religious figures, and members of the Muslim community participating. Traditionally, in past years, authorities have used drones to track the lunar disc, and it is very likely that this practice was applied again this season.
Official long weekend: public holidays for all sectors
In connection with the religious holiday, the UAE grants time off to both the private and public sectors. In 2025, the schedule is as follows:
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4-day weekend: fr om Thursday, June 5, to Sunday, June 8.
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Day of Arafah (9 Dhu al-Hijjah): June 5, 2025 (Thursday) — public holiday for government employees and private companies.
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Eid al-Adha (10–12 Dhu al-Hijjah): fr om June 6 to June 8, 2025 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) — nationwide public holidays.
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Return to work: from Monday, June 9, 2025.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) emphasizes that these dates are the same for all employees, regardless of their employment status. This allows all residents and guests of the UAE to plan trips, family visits, and participation in religious rites without worrying about work schedules.
Main festive events and happenings in Dubai
During Eid al-Adha, Dubai transforms into a grand venue for cultural, entertainment, and culinary events. Below are the key activities taking place in Dubai from the beginning of June until the first days of the holiday:
Urban concerts and street festivals
From June 2 to June 8, an extensive program of street performances and mini-festivals will be organized across all districts of Dubai. A unified concept called “Celebrate Eid in Dubai” has been created for this initiative, under which visitors can see:
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Live concerts by federal and international musicians.
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Theatrical performances featuring elements of Arab and Turkic culture.
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Street shows and master classes on traditional crafts.
A crafts and national cuisine festival with tastings of lamb, chicken, and seafood dishes. Locations: Satwa district, Al Fahidi district, and Al Seef waterfront. Here, a night food market with more than 40 kiosks and stalls operates daily until midnight.
Program for migrants and labor communities
As part of the charitable initiative “Eid with Our Workers: Joy and Happiness,” concerts and entertainment events specifically for labor migrants will be held at 10 key locations in the city. These events are part of the citywide celebrations and include:
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Communal tea gatherings and gift distributions.
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Entertainment shows and performances by local artists.
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Special rest areas with hot drinks and traditional treats.
The locations of this project cover Deira, Al Quoz, Jebel Ali, and other labor districts wh ere a significant number of foreign workers reside.
Traditional UAE roaming entertainment groups
A celebration without al-Ayyala and al-Harbiyah is unimaginable. During these days, the city’s infrastructure is complemented by small stages wh ere folk dance and music groups perform. They can be seen at:
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Ibn Battuta Mall — several daily performances in the central area of the mall.
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Mall of the Emirates — performances fr om 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM in the corridors of the first and second levels.
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Dubai Festival City Mall — shows from June 5 to June 7 starting at 5:00 PM, wh ere artists perform traditional dances against the backdrop of special light installations.
IMAGINE multimedia show
Dubai Festival City Mall traditionally prepares the grand IMAGINE show, which features laser light design, dancing fountains, and fireworks. Schedule:
June 6 and 7: entertainment program on the mall grounds from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM — master classes, prize draws, and creative zones for children and adults. Then, starting at 7:00 PM, every quarter hour, a multimedia presentation begins on the waterfront.
June 8: IMAGINE show on a regular schedule, starting at 7:00 PM, with fireworks and musical accompaniment.
Shopping festival and special discounts
During the holiday, all major malls in Dubai hold large-scale sales and promotions. From June 2 to June 8, you can expect discounts from 25% to 90% on clothing, electronics, cosmetics, and accessories. And also:
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Free master classes for children (drawing, cooking workshops).
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Pop-up zones with tastings of Arab and international cuisine.
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Bonus programs and loyalty cards — for every amount spent, guests receive gift certificates and coupons.
Shopping festival participants:
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The Dubai Mall
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Mall of the Emirates
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City Centre Mirdif
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Dubai Outlet Mall
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The Outlet Village
Fireworks and nighttime pyrotechnic displays
Starting from the Day of Arafah (June 5), the main fireworks that will light up the city’s sky take place in the evening:
Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain — a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 PM with music and lasers.
Bluewaters Island — fireworks at 9:30 PM; simultaneously, light interactive installations are activated along the waterfront.
Palm Jumeirah — a pyrotechnic display along the beachfront, launched from central “spike points.
Family and children’s entertainment
At Dubai’s tourist attractions and theme parks, special programs are planned:
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Dubai Parks and Resorts and IMG Worlds of Adventure: extended operating hours, invited animators in national costumes, and master classes on traditional crafts.
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LEGOLAND Dubai: festive quests for children, photo zones with “Desert and Oasis” decor, and discounts on attractions.
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Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: a family excursion featuring an educational show about the inhabitants of the Persian Gulf.
Culinary festivals and street markets
From June 3 to June 7, many city districts host street markets featuring national cuisine:
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Satwa Souq: kiosks with lamb dishes (lula kebab, manti, shawarma) and seafood (grilled calamari, shrimp on skewers).
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Al Fahidi Heritage Village: a crafts festival with presentations of master classes on preparing traditional lokum desserts and halva.
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Al Seef Waterfront Market: vendors selling spices, seasonings, freshly roasted coffee, and sweets.
In the evening, “food truck” zones with mobile kitchens operate, offering national drinks (karak tea, Arabic coffee with cardamom) and treats.
Tips for tourists in Dubai before Eid al-Adha 2025
Book accommodation and transportation in advance. Demand for hotels, car rentals, and plane tickets increases significantly.
The main festive prayer service at Jumeirah Mosque and the Grand Mosque traditionally gathers thousands of worshippers. It is recommended to arrive 1–1.5 hours before the prayer begins to secure a spot and avoid the crowd.
Purchase sacrificial animals (lamb, kid) in advance — in the last days, demand can rise sharply. Souvenirs, sweets (dates, lokum, halva), and traditional Arab spices can be prepared for friends and relatives.
Many major malls will operate on a reduced schedule on June 5 (Day of Arafah) and will be completely closed on June 6–7. Cafes and restaurants, especially in tourist areas (Downtown Dubai, Marina, Palm Jumeirah), may offer special festive menus.
In early June, Dubai’s temperature already reaches +38…+42 °C, so active outdoor events are best attended in the morning (before 11:00) or evening (after 18:00). If you plan desert excursions or picnics, bring plenty of water, sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeve clothing.
This blessed holiday will allow both residents and guests of the UAE to fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.