Eid Al Adha 2025: Sharjah announces four-day holiday for government employees

Sharjah: Sharjah government employees will enjoy a four-day holiday stretching from Thursday, June 5, to Sunday, June 8, in observance of Arafat day and Eid Al Adha, the Sharjah Human Resources Department has announced.

Regular working hours will resume on Monday, June 9, except for employees assigned to shift-based roles.

What is Eid Al Adha? 

Muslims perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage during the Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijjah which culminates in celebrating Eid Al Adha on the 10th day of Hajj rituals. 

Eid Al Adha or the 'Feast of Sacrifice, is celebrated throughout the Muslim world as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice everything for God.

The festival falls on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijjah, the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar.

Eid Al Adha is a time of celebration where Muslims gather for prayers at the mosque, visit family and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy feasts. It's a time of charitable acts, remembrance, and community. However, the exact practices can vary from country to country.

What is Arafat Day?

The Day of Arafat is an important Islamic observance that takes place on the ninth of Dhu Al Hijjah, the day before Eid Al Adha. It marks the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, where Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat and the Plain of Arafat. It is from this site that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered one of his final sermons during the last year of his life.

Working during a public holiday? Here’s what you need to know

Employees who are required to work on a public holiday must be compensated, either with another day off or additional pay.

“On the other hand, if an employee has to work during any official holiday, then the employer has to compensate him or her with another holiday or pay the employee the salary for that day plus an increase of not less than 50 per cent of the basic salary for that day,” Corrie added.

She also pointed out that under the new law, employees are entitled to one weekly day off, which does not have to fall on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

“If a public holiday coincides with an employee’s weekly day off, then the employee does not get an additional day off,” she said.