As the sun rose on Friday, June 6, 2025, a wave of unity and devotion swept across the Gulf and Middle East, marking the beginning of Eid Al Adha celebrations in Gulf and Middle East. From Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates, from Kuwait to Turkey, the Muslim world came together to commemorate one of Islam’s most sacred festivals — Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
A Grand Display of Faith Across the Gulf
In the early hours of the morning, worshippers filled mosques and open-air prayer grounds throughout the region. From the capital of Abu Dhabi to the heart of Sharjah, thousands stood shoulder to shoulder in prayer, embodying the true essence of unity, humility, and submission to Allah.
At iconic places like the Bur Dubai Eid Mosque, worshippers were overwhelmed by feelings of peace, gratitude, and spiritual joy. Eid Al Adha is a time that reminds Muslims of Prophet Ibrahim’s immense devotion to God — a devotion symbolized through his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to the divine command. The festival continues to reflect values of selflessness, charity, and deep spiritual commitment.
Saudi Arabia: Heart of the Islamic World
The soul of Eid Al Adha celebrations in Gulf and Middle East beat loudest in Saudi Arabia, where millions gathered in Masjid Al Haram in Makkah and Masjid An Nabawi in Madinah — the two holiest mosques in Islam.
These congregations were a continuation of the deeply spiritual Hajj pilgrimage, where just a day prior, over 1.6 million pilgrims performed Wuquf-e-Arafah, standing at the plains of Arafat in supplication and prayer. The pilgrims prayed not only for their own souls but for peace around the world — with special prayers dedicated to Palestine, where hardship continues.
Following the sacred night under Muzdalifah’s open skies, pilgrims performed the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat in Mina, then offered animal sacrifices, and men shaved their heads — completing the vital rites of Hajj.
Eid Observed Worldwide
While the heart of the celebrations beat in the Gulf and Middle East, Eid Al Adha was observed far beyond the region. Muslim communities in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia also held congregational prayers and celebrated in unity with the global ummah.
Pakistan’s Bohra Community Marks the Festival
In Pakistan, the Bohra community marked Eid Al Adha on the same day, with congregations in mosques across Karachi, including in Saddar, Hyderi, Pakistan Chowk, and Baloch Colony. The community followed the traditional practice of Qurbani (sacrifice), offering goats, sheep, cows, and camels, and distributing the meat among the needy — keeping the spirit of giving alive.
The Essence of Eid: Sacrifice and Compassion
Whether in bustling cities or quiet towns, the festival served as a poignant reminder of what matters most — faith, family, and compassion. In every household, meals were prepared with love, guests were welcomed warmly, and the meat from sacrifices was shared generously with neighbors and the less fortunate.
As Eid Al Adha continues over the coming days, Muslims globally reflect on the story of Prophet Ibrahim and draw closer to their spiritual purpose — reminding the world that faith transcends borders, and sacrifice nurtures unity.