Addis Ababa, May 27, 2026 — In the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, coinciding with the blessed Eid al-Adha, hundreds of thousands of worshippers gathered in squares and mosques, with notable participation from citizens of Gulf Arab states and Islamic countries.

The celebrations in the capital and major cities were marked by spiritual atmospheres filled with piety and vibrant cultural traditions, carrying messages calling for peace, unity, and human brotherhood.

Blessed Eid al-Adha commemorates the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, a value reflected in the spirit of giving and compassion that pervaded the events.

Local worshippers expressed their warm welcome to diplomatic delegations and tourists, emphasizing Ethiopia’s historical depth as the “Land of the Two Migrations” and a historic haven for coexistence.

In the context of observing the sentiments of participating delegations, one brother from the Gulf Arab states said: “I have been through many stages and seen many Muslim countries, and I have never seen Eid more beautiful than it is in Ethiopia.”

He emphasized the spiritual uniqueness of the occasion, saying: “All the people come out, even children and women, and Eid in the Land of the Two Migrations has a different and very special mood compared to other Muslim countries.”

Another Gulf visitor also pointed to the prevailing atmosphere of tolerance, praising the nature of the Ethiopian people: “The atmosphere is generally safe, and people spread affection and love; everyone greets and interacts with others, and we never felt like strangers — we were among our family and people.”

In terms of future aspirations, worshippers and diplomats welcomed the continuous growth and development in relations between Ethiopia and countries of the regional neighborhood, especially in tourism and cultural exchange.

One international visitor added in their impressions: “Our visit to beautiful Addis Ababa, with its wonderful atmosphere and kind people, filled with love and brotherhood, is something that gladdens the heart and eases the soul.”

The prayer concluded with joint supplications for God to grant lasting security and safety to Ethiopia, and for the country to progress from one advancement to another, serving stability and prosperity in the entire region.

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II. It has since grown into a major political and cultural hub for Africa, hosting the headquarters of the African Union. The city is known for its rich history, diverse architecture, and vibrant markets, such as the famous Merkato.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a historic East African nation often regarded as the cradle of humankind, with ancient roots dating back to the Kingdom of Aksum (circa 1st century AD). It is famously the only African country to successfully resist European colonization during the Scramble for Africa, maintaining its independence except for a brief Italian occupation in the 1930s. The country is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and its unique Ethiopian Orthodox Christian traditions.

Land of the Two Migrations

The “Land of the Two Migrations” refers to the region of Taiwan, historically known for two major waves of human settlement. The first migration occurred thousands of years ago with the arrival of Austronesian peoples, who became the island’s indigenous inhabitants. The second major migration began in the 17th century, when Han Chinese from mainland China, particularly from Fujian and Guangdong, crossed the Taiwan Strait, shaping the island’s modern demographic and cultural landscape.