Dubai: Saudi Arabia Thursday announced the start of the month of Dhu Al Hijja today and that Eid Al Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice) will fall on November 6 corresponding to the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijja.
Eid Al Adha marks the end of the main Haj ritual which is the Day of Waqfa (Standing at Mountain of Arafat in Makkah) on the 9th day of Dhu Al Hijja.
In the UAE, government departments, schools and universities will enjoy a holiday for a whole week, starting from November 5.
Three-day holiday
However, the private sector is entitled to a three-day holiday which starts on the first day of Eid, but the announcement usually made by the Ministry of Labour has not been made yet.
Eid starts with the sacrifice of a sheep, in keeping with the tradition of what the Prophet Ebrahim did when God provided him with the animal to sacrifice instead of his own son.
In the UAE, Eid starts with Eid prayers at designated mosques and prayer yards (musallah) across the country. Residents observing Eid exchange greetings and good wishes on this day.
Eid preparations begin with people buying gifts for family members and preparing public gatherings and lunches.
The sacrificed sheep meat is divided into three equal parts, for family members, neighbours and the needy.
