Saudi Moon Sighting Committee to meet this week to announce Eid Al Adha

As it stands, based on astronomical calculations, Dhul Hijjah will start on Monday, June 19. Eid Al Adha, which falls on Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12, would then correspond to Wednesday, June 28 to Friday, June 30. Arafat Day, which is one day before Eid, would then fall on Tuesday, June 27.

If that is the case, Saudi residents will enjoy a five-day public holiday from Tuesday, June 27 until Friday, June 30. Those that have a Friday and Saturday weekend, will then only return to work on Sunday, July 2.

What is Eid Al Adha?

According to tradition, Eid Al Adha is held to honour Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, after being instructed to do so by God. Prophet Ibrahim told his son of the dream, and the son then told his father to follow the order. But God intervened, sending a sheep to take his son’s place.

When is the next public holiday after Eid al Adha?

After Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, the next public holiday will fall on the occasion of Saudi National Day, which is marked annually on September 23. The holiday commemorates the establishment of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932. It falls on a Wednesday this year, so no long weekend there. But you can look forward to fireworks, parades packed with floats showcasing the highlights of each region, music and traditional outfits, and Saudi flags lining the streets.

Stay tuned to whatsonsaudiarabia.com for the official announcements which are usually released a week or so before the holiday.