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Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia
Eid al-Adha ("Feast of the Sacrifice") is one of the two major holidays in Islam, marking the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, and coinciding with the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
History
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is roughly 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, its Gregorian date shifts earlier each year, and the exact day can vary by a day depending on official moon-sighting confirmation.
How it's celebrated
It's marked with special prayers, the ritual sacrifice of livestock (qurbani) with the meat traditionally shared between family, friends, and those in need, new clothes, and family gatherings. It is a multi-day public holiday in Saudi Arabia — government offices, schools, and most businesses close.
See the full list of public holidays in Saudi Arabia for 2027, browse an interactive calendar, or check holidays for any country with the holidays tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eid al-Adha a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?
Yes — it is a multi-day public holiday; government offices, schools, and most businesses close.
Why does the date of Eid al-Adha change every year?
It follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, so its Gregorian date shifts earlier each year. The exact day is confirmed by moon sighting and can vary by a day from calculated estimates.