Eid Al Adha 2024: Holiday dates for Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman

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With Eid Al Adha just around the corner, several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Egypt, have announced their public holiday schedules.

The festivities will be observed with varying dates and durations across the region, providing residents with a much-anticipated break.

Bahrain: Extended holiday for public sector

In Bahrain, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has outlined the Eid Al Adha holiday schedule for public sector employees.

As per the announcement, all ministries and public institutions will be closed from Saturday, June 15, through Tuesday, June 18.

Given that Friday, June 14, is a regular weekend day off, this extends the holiday period to a total of five days, allowing public sector workers to enjoy a prolonged break. This holiday period includes the Day of Arafa, Eid Al Adha, and the following two days.

Kuwait: Nationwide three-day holiday

The Kuwaiti government has declared an official three-day holiday for Eid Al Adha, spanning from Sunday, June 16, to Tuesday, June 18.

This decision, approved during the Cabinet’s weekly meeting, applies to all ministries, state bodies, and public institutions. Normal work operations will resume on Wednesday, June 19.

Oman: Longest holiday period

In Oman, the Eid Al Adha holiday will be observed from Sunday, June 16, to Thursday, June 20, covering both government and private sector employees. The Ministry of Labour has indicated that businesses requiring staff to work during this period must compensate their employees accordingly. This provides a significant break, allowing workers a full week to celebrate the occasion.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt: Eid Al Adha confirmed for June 16

In Saudi Arabia, the Moon sighting on Thursday confirmed that Dhul Hijjah, the Islamic month during which Eid Al Adha falls, began on June 7. Consequently, Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on Sunday, June 16. The Day of Arafa, observed on Dhul Hijjah 9, will be on Saturday, June 15.

Similarly, Egypt has announced that Eid Al Adha will fall on June 16, following the Moon sighting on Thursday evening, marking the start of Dhul Hijjah on June 7.

UAE: A unified holiday period

Earlier, the UAE had announced that both the public and private sectors will observe the Eid Al Adha holidays from Saturday, June 15, to Tuesday, June 18. This decision aligns with the federal holiday schedule, offering residents a unified period of celebration and rest.

Read: Eid Al Adha 2024: Dubai announces holiday dates for private schools

Celebration across the GCC

As these dates approach, residents and expatriates in the GCC look forward to a period of celebration, reflection, and family gatherings.

Eid Al Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar, marked by special prayers, feasts, and acts of charity.

With each country offering varying holiday durations, the region is set to embrace the spirit of Eid with extended periods of joy and communal bonding.