Eid Al Adha holiday likely to start on July 20

UAE residents can expect a long weekend

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  The reward for patiently waiting is a dazzling fireworks display to celebrate the holiday. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Even just waiting for the fireworks to start is a fun experience, as friends and families gather early at The Beach at JBR for a good seat to watch the displays. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Parks were a popular meeting location for residents, despite the hot weather. Riana Rabox of Indonesia hands out watermelon out to her friends during a barbecue in Zabeel Park in Dubai during the Eid Al Adha break. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Adul Ibrahim and his wife Moon of Pakistan, enjoy a moment together with their children Hannan and Hadi while visiting Zabeel Park. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Al Qudra Lake in Dubai was a popular spot for families to visit, taking the time to enjoy nature and the feathered residents of the desert oasis. Reem Mohammed / The National

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  Jumeirah Public Beach is always a popular place to visit, but particularly on the hot days of Eid Al Adha, residents flocked to the sea to enjoy the sunset. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  The Dubai seaside is the perfect spot for a festive selfie. Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Lulu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi's Mushrif Mall was busy early in the week with families preparing for the holiday. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Shoppers enjoyed summer sales that extended into the holiday. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  The Market at Mushrif Mall was full of shoppers looking for great deals on fresh produce for their Eid Al Adha feasts. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  The date section of The Market offers local and regional dates, traditional gifts for celebrations, along with sweets and money for children. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  The Dubai Mall was full of shoppers, visitors and tourists. Reem Mohammed / The National

Latest: Eid Al Adha holidays for public sector announced

The Eid Al Adha holiday is likely to start on July 20.

The International Astronomical Centre said that the month of Dhu Al Hijjah, 1442 AH, is likely to begin on Saturday, July 10 at 5.17am UAE time.

An announcement by Muhammad Shawkat Odeh, the centre's director, was reported by UAE news agency Wam.

Mr Odeh said it would be possible to see the crescent moon on that day using a telescope from Arab countries, and with the naked eye from most countries in Africa and Europe.

Residents can expect a long public holiday around the religious festival, as Arafat Day is expected to fall on Monday, July 19.

This will be followed by a three-day break for Eid, taking the holiday up to Thursday, July 22, adding up to six days off for those lucky enough not to work the weekend.

Eid Al Adha is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar. Also known as the feast of the sacrifice, it coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.