Saudi Arabia reports seeing Dhul Hijjah Moon today

According to Saudi authorities, on Thursday, June 6, the crescent Moon that marks the beginning of Dhul Hijjah was observed throughout the kingdom.

As a result, Dhul Qa'adah ends on Thursday, June 6, and Dhul Hijjah begins on Friday, June 7. This indicates that Sunday, June 16 (Dhul Hijjah 10), will be the first day of Eid Al Adha.

The holiest day in Islam, Day of Arafah, is observed one day prior to Eid and falls on Saturday, June 15 (Dhul Hijjah 9).

For Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, this Eid is one of the most anticipated religious holidays, with most employees granted a long weekend.

UAE residents are set to get one day off for Arafah Day (Dhul Hijjah 9) and three days off for Eid Al Adha (Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12), according to the government's list of public holidays.

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is marked by offering special prayers. Muslims slaughter livestock — usually, a goat, sheep, cow or camel — to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith.

The festival celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son based on Allah’s command. Before the sacrifice happened, Allah provided him with a ram that the prophet then slaughtered.