Wondering when is the next public holiday in Saudi Arabia? Or more specifically, when is Eid Al-Adha 2022 in Saudi Arabia?
You’ll be pleased to know there is not too long to wait for the next long weekend as Eid Al- Adha 2022 in Saudi Arabia will begin on Saturday July 9.
The exact date of Eid is always determined by the moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia, and that also applies with Eid Al-Adha 2022. The moon sight committee is a group of astronomers and Muslim advisors who gather together to look for the new crescent moon. When the moon is sighted using advanced equipment, Eid-Al-Adha starts the next day.
For Eid Al-Adha 2022 in Saudi Arabia, the moon was sighted and Dul Hijjah will begin on Thursday June 30. Hajj will start Wednesday July 6 and end on Sunday July 10. Arafat Day falls on Friday July 8 and Eid Al-Adha will start the next day.
You might also like: Everything you need to know about Hajj 2022
For Eid Al-Adha 2022 in Saudi Arabia, the public sector will likely be enjoying days off from Sunday July 3 to Wednesday July 13. Staycation, anyone? The private sector holidays for Eid Al-Adha 2022 in the Kingdom have yet to be announced so keep your eyes glued to space or more.
What is Eid Al-Adha?
Eid Al-Adha is one of the two official holidays in Islam. It translates to the “Festival of Sacrifice” and is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar. It also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.
Eid Al-Adha comes after Eid Al-Fitr, which this year was celebrated from Sunday May 1 to Monday May 2, 2022.
When is Eid Al-Adha 2022?
As mentioned, the final Eid Al-Adha 2022 in Saudi Arabia dates are subject to the moon sighting and are confirmed by official government bodies. For Eid Al-Adha 2022 in Saudi Arabia, Arafat Day falls on Friday July 8 and Eid Al-Adha will start the next day, Saturday July 9.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) announced a four-day Eid Al-Adha holiday for the private and non-profit sectors in Saudi Arabia. The Eid break will begin on Sunday July 10 and last until Wednesday July 13. See you off the clock?
How is Eid Al-Adha celebrated in Saudi Arabia?
Houses are usually decorated with lights and banners to celebrate the holiday. Traditionally, people wear new clothes on the way to the mosque for the Eid prayer, and recite the Takbir throughout the morning.
Eid Al-Adha a relatively quiet time to visit as people usually stay in and enjoy time with family and friends. Muslim families who are able to sometimes sacrifice a sheep, a goat, a cow or even a camel to commemorate the Eid Al-Adha holiday. The meat is then divided into three parts and shared among family, friends and neighbours, and the less fortunate.
Songs to commemorate the EId Al-Adha holiday are also sometimes played during family gatherings. Furthermore, the occasion is packed with firework displays throughout Saudi Arabia on all three days. So, you can expect some dazzling displays for Eid Al-Adha 2022 in Saudi Arabia. Time Out will be keeping you updated with the top events.
What do people traditionally eat for Eid Al-Adha in the Kingdom?
For breakfast for Eid Al-Adha, the star of the show is usually kebda (goat, sheep and cow liver cooked with various herbs and spices).
What is open during Eid Al-Adha in Saudi Arabia?
Most businesses and shops are closed for three days for the Eid-Al Adha holiday.
What are the COVID-19 travel guidelines for Eid Al-Adha 2022?
If you’re planning to travel this Eid, you’re in luck because the Saudi Arabia recently dropped face mask rule and additional COVID-19 restrictions that make it easier to travel. For example, you will no longer be required to show your health status on the Tawakkalna app when boarding a plane.
Changes have also been made to the vaccination requirements, specifically related to the booster shot. The new maximum timeframe between the second COVID vaccine shot and the booster shot has been extended to eight months for those wishing to travel outside Saudi Arabia.
Want to plan your next vacation? Click here for all of the Saudi Arabia public holidays in 2022.
