UAE employees could receive almost a week off work next month.
The exact dates of Eid Al Adha will depend on the sighting of the moon, but the holiday is expected to start on Monday, July 19, with a day off for Arafat Day.
It marks the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, and the day before Eid Al Adha, the religious festival.
There will be a further three days off for Eid, taking the holiday up to Thursday, July 22, and adding up to a six-day stretch for those lucky enough to have the weekend off as well.
Eid Al Adha is known as the feast of the sacrifice, and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, which all Muslims are required to make at least once in their lifetime if they are able.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia confirmed the Hajj will take place this year, with precautions in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Health institutions in Saudi Arabia will continue to assess the situation and take all measures to preserve the health of all mankind," a spokesman for the Hajj and Umrah Ministry told The National last month.
Full details and regulations will be announced later.
Eid Al Ahda festivities – in pictures
-
The reward for patiently waiting is a dazzling fireworks display to celebrate the holiday. Antonie Robertson / The National -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
The Dubai seaside is the perfect spot for a festive selfie. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Lulu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi's Mushrif Mall was busy early in the week with families preparing for the holiday. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Shoppers enjoyed summer sales that extended into the holiday. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
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 -
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 -
The Dubai Mall was full of shoppers, visitors and tourists. Reem Mohammed / The National
