The government has confirmed that public holidays for Hajj and Eid al-Adha will remain as the four days already designated in the official calendar.

According to the Saudi government, May 28 marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. The Day of Arafat will fall on June 5, and Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on June 6. 

While the government has designated four days as holidays for the occasion, public discussions on social media are calling for June 11 and 12 to be declared holidays as well.

In response, the Spokesperson for the President’s Office, Heena Waleed, stated on social media that since the Day of Arafat coincides with the date already marked on the calendar, there will be no changes to the official holidays for the occasion. 

Maldivian pilgrims have begun their journey to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. The first group departed on Monday evening, followed by the second group on Tuesday morning. The third group is scheduled to depart on May 29, with the final group set to leave on May 30.

The Government has announced that this year’s Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on a national level in three locations, Haa Alif Kelaa, Kaafu Guraidhoo, and Seenu Gan.