As the month of June approaches, UAE citizens and residents can look forward to a 4-day holiday celebrating Arafat Day (or Arafah Day) and Eid al-Adha 2025 which take place back-to-back. Eid al-Adha is one of two major religious holidays in the Islamic calendar, the other being Eid al-Fitr, which signifies the completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Ahead of Eid al-Adha comes Arafat Day, the ninth day of the Islamic month Dhu al-Hijjah and the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is immediately followed by Eid al-Adha celebrations.
When is Arafat Day 2025 in UAE?
According to legislation passed by the UAE Cabinet, the public and private sectors will observe Arafat Day on Dhu al-Hijjah 9 and Eid Al Adha from Dhu al-Hijjah 10 to 12, culminating in a total of 4 days off.
The Emirates Astronomy Society says the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah is expected to be visible on the morning of May 27. If the crescent moon is sighted, Wednesday, May 28, will mark the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
In this case, Arafat Day will take place on June 5, and Eid al-Adha 2025 in the UAE will fall on Friday, June 6.
Noting that UAE residents get a 4-day holiday, a moon sighting on May 27 means that the holiday would extend from Thursday, June 5, until Sunday, June 8, for both the public and private sectors.
The exact Eid al-Adha and Arafat Day 2025 dates will be confirmed in the UAE by its moon-sighting committee closer to the time.
Why is Arafat Day 2025 celebrated?
Arafat Day 2025 commemorates a key event in Islamic pilgrimage and marks a day of spiritual reflection, unity and supplication. Arafat is the name of a mountain located near the city of Makkah. On this day, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon to a gathering of over 100,000 Muslims during his final pilgrimage. Traditionally, Muslims all around the world who are not in Makkah doing the pilgrimage will fast on the day. It is not mandatory, but it is preferred.
On the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of Arafat, praying and supplicating to God. One Islamic hadith says that ‘Hajj is Arafah,’ meaning that Arafah is the sum and substance of Hajj.
Things to do on this day
Muslims around the world perform key religious and traditional practices on Arafat Day 2025. The Arafat Day fasting is highly encouraged and recommended for those not going on Hajj. In fact, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) urged Muslims to increase their good deeds during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.
On Arafat Day, any act of worship results in more good rewards, so Muslims are highly encouraged to increase their remembrance of Allah. One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent to Allah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin.
Arafat Day is a day of immense blessings and spiritual rewards. It is known as the day of forgiveness and freedom from the fire. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) highlighted the virtues of this day, stating that fasting on Arafat expiates the sins of the previous and coming year. Muslims are encouraged to earn abundant rewards through various acts of worship and good deeds on this day.
Engaging in additional voluntary prayers on Arafat Day brings immense rewards and spiritual benefits, enhancing one’s connection with Allah. Acts of charity and generosity are also highly valued on Arafat Day. Muslims are encouraged to donate to charitable causes and help those in need.
Spending quality time with family and friends, engaging in worship, and remembering Allah together is also important on Arafat Day.
Read: Eid al-Adha 2025 holiday in UAE: Expected dates revealed
FAQs
What is Arafat Day?
Arafat Day 2025 commemorates a key event in Islamic pilgrimage and marks a day of spiritual reflection, unity and supplication
When is Arafat Day 2025 celebrated in UAE?
Arafat Day is expected to take place on June 5, 2025, in the UAE.
Why is Arafat Day 2025 celebrated?
Arafat Day 2025 commemorates the day Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon to a gathering of over 100,000 Muslims during his final pilgrimage.
How long is the Arafat Day holiday?
The Arafat Day 2025 holiday is one day long and is celebrated on the ninth day of the Islamic month Dhu al-Hijjah.
What happens on Arafat Day?
On the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of Arafat, praying and supplicating to God.
Who confirms the exact date of Arafat Day?
The exact Arafat Day 2025 date will be confirmed in the UAE by its moon-sighting committee closer to the time.
