Spoiler: there’s a four-day break coming, and yes, your out-of-office can finally shine again.
Hold onto your kaftans, Dubai — another long weekend is on the horizon. And if you’ve been counting down the days until your next stretch of blissful freedom, here’s your golden ticket: Arafat Day, followed by Eid Al Adha, is serving up a four-day weekend this June.
So, when do we switch off our alarms?
Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 5th, according to the UAE’s moon-sighting committee (a group we’d like to personally thank for every long weekend ever). That means Thursday’s a public holiday — and paired with Eid Al Adha, we’re likely in for an extended break that wraps up on Sunday. Monday blues? Never heard of her.
But hang on, what is Arafat Day anyway?
No, it’s not just “the day before Eid” — though that’s how it’s lovingly described in brunch group chats. Arafat Day, or the Day of Arafah, is actually one of the most sacred dates in the Islamic calendar. It falls on the 9th of Dhu Al Hijjah, around 70 days after Ramadan, and commemorates the moment when Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his final sermon at Mount Arafat to over 100,000 followers. Think of it as a deeply spiritual, unifying day of reflection — the emotional crescendo of the Hajj pilgrimage.
What happens on Arafat Day?
Millions of pilgrims in Mecca gather near Mount Arafat dressed in humble white garments, engaging in prayer and introspection. For those of us not making the journey, it’s a time for fasting, spiritual recalibration, and maybe stepping away from the noise (read: WhatsApp pings and Zoom calls).
It’s widely believed that fasting on Arafat Day washes away the sins of the past year and the one to come — so it’s no surprise many Muslims choose to observe it with intention and devotion.
So… do I get the day off?
Yes, yes you do. Arafat Day is a public holiday across the UAE, and with Eid Al Adha following right behind, many are anticipating a Thursday to Sunday stretch of sweet, uninterrupted chill time.
Stay tuned for the official confirmation — but maybe don’t book that Maldives escape just yet (unless you enjoy living on the edge of moon sightings).
