Saudi Arabia today marks Eid Al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, as the Kingdom and the wider Muslim world unite in devotion, gratitude, and generosity. The occasion falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, the final and holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
This year, nearly two million pilgrims from across the globe completed the Day of Arafah on Tuesday, gathering at Mount Arafat near Makkah in what scholars describe as the spiritual summit of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Hajj itself, the fifth pillar of Islam, ran from 25 to 27 May 2026, drawing worshippers from every corner of the earth to the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
The Meaning Behind the Occasion
At its heart, Eid Al-Adha commemorates the profound trial of Prophet Ibrahim, who demonstrated absolute obedience to Allah by willingly preparing to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Allah, in His mercy, replaced Ismail with a ram. Muslims therefore honour that act of faith each year through Udhiya, the ritual sacrifice of a sheep, goat, cow, or camel.
Moreover, families distribute the meat in three equal portions: one for the household, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need. This tradition reinforces the Islamic values of charity, solidarity, and gratitude that define the holiday.
Celebrations Across the Kingdom
Across Saudi Arabia, the day begins with the Eid prayer shortly after sunrise. At the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the congregational prayer draws hundreds of thousands of worshippers into Masjid Al-Haram and its surrounding courtyards, the largest such gathering on the planet. Families then reunite for festive meals, exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak,” and continue the days of Tashreeq in prayer and reflection.
Additionally, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources confirmed a four-day public holiday for private-sector workers, running from Tuesday 26 May through Friday 29 May. Public-sector employees observe a longer break through Sunday 31 May.
Furthermore, Saudi authorities activated the Nusuk platform, allowing pilgrims and residents to arrange Qurbani through authorised operators, ensuring orderly distribution of meat to communities in greatest need, both within the Kingdom and abroad.
