Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are eagerly anticipating a potential long weekend in June 2024, as expert astronomers predict the timing of the significant Islamic holiday Eid Al Adha. Celebrated as the festival of sacrifice, Eid Al Adha honours the story of Ibrahim’s devotion to God, as he was willing to sacrifice his son before God intervened and provided a sheep instead.
Leading the forecast, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, the chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, suggests that Arafat Day, the occasion marking the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, may fall on Sunday, June 16, with Eid Al Adha likely commencing the following day. Based on the lunar calendar, this suggests a public holiday extending from June 17 to June 19.
With the UAE generally observing a Saturday and Sunday weekend, this timing would afford a five-day break from work, with normal business activities resuming on Thursday, June 20. However, should individuals also take off Thursday and Friday, they…
