Gulf nations, US, UK mark Eid ul Adha 2024

Muslims in various parts of the world are observing the religious festival of Eid ul Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, today (Sunday).

This festival takes place in Zil Hajj, the 12th and last month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is significant for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

The three-day celebration of Eid ul Adha is being marked by Muslims in different parts of the world, including the Middle East the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia.

In Saudi Arabia, Muslims gathered for the Eid prayer in over 12,000 mosques, including Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

Additionally, more than 1.5 million pilgrims from around 180 countries gathered for the dawn prayer on Sunday, after staying overnight at the holy site of Muzdalifah as part of the Hajj rituals.

They will now throw pebbles at Jamarat Al Aqabah and perform the sacrifice ritual, men will shave their heads and then leave for Makkah to perform Tawaf Al Ifada and Sai', two other pillars of Hajj, Saudi Gazette reported.

Meanwhile, Muslims across the UAE kicked off Eid ul Adha celebrations with prayers and greetings on Sunday morning, Khaleej Times reported.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed on Saturday sent cables of congratulations to the kings, emirs, and presidents of Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion.

Sheikh Mohamed wished them and their people continued progress, prosperity and stability.

Residents in the UAE are marking the celebration with a four-day weekend that began on Saturday and will last until Tuesday.

Additionally, residents of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are set to enjoy stunning fireworks displays at different locations at 9pm on Sunday.