Saudi Arabia Announces Eid Al Adha 2025 Holiday Dates

Saudi Arabia has officially announced the dates for Eid Al Adha 2025, one of the most significant religious celebrations in the Islamic calendar. Following the sighting of the Dhul-Hijja crescent moon on Tuesday, May 27, the Kingdom has confirmed that Eid Al Adha will be observed on Friday, June 6, 2025.

Holiday Schedule and Work Arrangements

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources has declared a four-day holiday for private sector and non-profit organization employees. The holiday will begin on Thursday, June 5, which marks Arafat Day—the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage—and will continue through the weekend.

For private sector workers, this means a continuous break from Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 8, with regular work expected to resume on Monday, June 9. The ministry has emphasized that employers must adhere to the executive regulations of the Saudi labor law when implementing the holiday schedule.

Significance of Eid Al Adha

Eid Al Adha, often referred to as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. Before the sacrifice could be carried out, Allah provided a ram to sacrifice instead.

During this celebration, Muslims around the world:

  • Gather for communal prayers
  • Engage in charitable activities
  • Sacrifice an animal (typically sheep, goats, cows, or camels)
  • Share the meat among family, friends, and those in need

The festival falls on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijja, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and coincides with the conclusion of Hajj—the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Hajj Pilgrimage 2025

The announcement of Dhul-Hijja’s beginning also confirms the timeline for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. According to Saudi officials, Hajj rituals will take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025.

Saudi authorities have reported that over one million pilgrims from abroad have already arrived in the Kingdom ahead of this year’s Hajj season. The pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, is mandatory for all able-bodied and financially capable Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime.

The Saudi government has been implementing extensive preparations to ensure the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment of pilgrims during this sacred journey.

Economic and Social Impact

The Eid Al Adha holiday period traditionally sees increased economic activity across various sectors in Saudi Arabia, including:

  • Retail and consumer spending
  • Travel and hospitality
  • Food and livestock markets
  • Charitable organizations

Many businesses experience a surge in sales during the weeks leading up to Eid, particularly those selling clothing, gifts, and food items associated with the celebration.

Conclusion

As Saudi Arabia prepares for Eid Al Adha 2025, the announcement of official dates provides clarity for residents, businesses, and the millions of Muslims worldwide who look to the Kingdom for guidance on Islamic observances. The four-day holiday will offer private sector workers an opportunity to celebrate this important religious occasion with family and loved ones, while the country welcomes pilgrims from around the globe for the annual Hajj.

For Muslims worldwide, the confirmation of these dates marks the beginning of preparations for one of the most spiritually significant periods of the year—a time of devotion, sacrifice, and community.