When is Arafat Day 2025 and how long will the UAE be off work?
Moon-sighting to confirm dates of one of Islam’s major observances
DUBAI: There’s nothing UAE residents love more than a well-timed public holiday – and the next one, Arafat Day 2025, is shaping up to be a long weekend treat.
With Eid Al Adha expected to follow immediately after, many across the Emirates are anticipating a four-day weekend off from work.
The holiday is not just a breather from the daily grind – it’s a deeply meaningful occasion in the Islamic calendar. Arafat Day, observed annually on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, is one of the most important days for Muslims around the world and marks the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage.
When exactly is Arafat Day in 2025?
Based on the latest astronomical forecasts, Arafat Day 2025 is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5, pending confirmation by the UAE’s Moon-sighting Committee. This projection aligns with the sighting of the crescent moon on the morning of May 27, which would mark the start of Dhu al-Hijjah on Wednesday, May 28.
If this timeline holds, Eid Al Adha would then begin on Friday, June 6, extending until Sunday, June 8. That means both public and private sector employees in the UAE are expected to receive four consecutive days off, returning to work on Monday, June 9.
This break will follow the pattern of previous years, where both sectors observed holidays for Arafat Day and the three days of Eid Al Adha, regardless of the lunar sighting variations.
What’s the significance of Arafat Day?
Arafat Day, also known as the Day of Arafah, is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and falls the day before Eid Al Adha. On this day, pilgrims gather near Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia to perform prayers, reflect, and seek forgiveness – making it the spiritual high point of the Hajj.
The day commemorates Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) final sermon, which was delivered to over 100,000 followers during his last pilgrimage to Makkah. While Hajj pilgrims perform rituals at Mount Arafat, Muslims around the world often observe the day by fasting, which is not compulsory but is considered highly rewarding.
According to Islamic belief, fasting on Arafat Day expiates sins from the past and coming year, making it a spiritually significant day even for those not on pilgrimage.
How long is the UAE public holiday?
If the moon is sighted as expected on Tuesday, May 27, then Arafat Day will be observed on Thursday, June 5, followed by three days of Eid Al Adha – Friday through Sunday (June 6 to 8).
That means a full four-day weekend for the UAE, with both government and private sector employees off during that period. This break includes two working days (Thursday and Friday) and the regular weekend (Saturday and Sunday).
The dates are yet to be officially confirmed by the UAE authorities, but the Emirates Astronomy Society has issued projections that align with this forecast.
In contrast, countries like Qatar have already declared a five-day public holiday beginning on Arafat Day, while Kuwait is set to observe Eid Al Adha from Friday, June 6, based on similar astronomical predictions.
What other holidays remain in 2025?
Following Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, UAE residents can look forward to three remaining public holidays in the year:
- Hijri New Year (Muharram 1): Expected on Wednesday, June 26
- Prophet’s Birthday (Rabi’ Al Awal 12): Expected on Thursday, September 4
- UAE National Day: A two-day holiday on December 2 and 3
These holidays, like others in the Islamic calendar, are subject to confirmation by the UAE Moon-sighting Committee and will be announced closer to the dates.