Arafat (Hajj) Day 2025 in the United Arab Emirates

Arafat Day is observed on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah and marks the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is a day of prayer and reflection, and in the UAE, it is recognized as a public holiday, allowing people to fast, pray, and worship.

Arafat Day: A Public Holiday?

Arafat Day is a public holiday in the United Arab Emirates, observed on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha. It is part of the extended public holiday during the Hajj season, giving people time for worship, reflection, and rest.

Arafat Day

Arafat Day is observed on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. It marks the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage, when pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat near Makkah for prayer and reflection. This day holds great religious significance in Islam, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon there during his last Hajj.

In the United Arab Emirates, Arafat Day has been officially recognized as a public holiday since the formation of the nation. Although the Hajj takes place in Saudi Arabia, Muslims in the UAE observe the day with deep respect and devotion. It is considered one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar, and many take this time to fast, pray, and reflect on their faith, even if they are not performing Hajj.

Observance of Arafat Day in the United Arab Emirates

Arafat Day is a day of worship and spiritual focus for Muslims in the UAE. While pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat, Muslims across the country take the opportunity to fast, which is believed to erase the sins of the past and coming year. Many also pray, read the Quran, and reflect on their lives. Mosques may host special sermons or reminders about the importance of this sacred day.

The UAE government grants a public holiday on Arafat Day, allowing families to pause from their regular routines and focus on faith. Some people use the time for peaceful gatherings with family or attend religious lectures at mosques. The atmosphere is calm and respectful, preparing hearts and minds for Eid al-Adha, which begins the next day.

Arafat Day is important in the UAE because it connects people spiritually to the larger Muslim world and the sacred rituals of Hajj. Even from afar, Muslims in the UAE feel united with pilgrims through prayer and devotion. The day serves as a reminder of mercy, forgiveness, and the values of Islam, strengthening the bond between individuals and their faith.

Arafat (Hajj) Day Observances