Govt Sticks to Official 4-Day Hajj & Eid Holidays Despite Calls for Extension

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The government has affirmed 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, the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah will commence on May 28, with the Day of Arafat observed on June 5 and Eid al-Adha celebrated on June 6.

Despite public calls on social media to extend holidays to include June 11 and 12, Heena Waleed, Spokesperson for the President’s Office, clarified that no changes will be made to the official holiday schedule. She noted that since the Day of Arafat coincides with the current calendar dates, the government will maintain the established four-day holiday period.

Maldivian pilgrims have already started their journey to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage, with the first group departing Monday evening and subsequent groups scheduled through May 30.

Additionally, the government announced that this year’s Eid al-Adha festivities will be celebrated nationally across three locations: Haa Alif Kelaa, Kaafu Guraidhoo, and Seenu Gan.