Arafat Day is for 'forgiveness, mercy, faith': H.H. Sheikh Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has shared a special message on Tuesday describing Arafat Day as the day of "forgiveness, mercy, and completion of faith". 

The Islamic holiday marks the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah or "Month of Pilgrimage", the twelfth and final month of the lunar Islamic calendar.

It is considered a day of redemption and forgiveness for Muslims around the world, held on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Arafat Day is annually followed by the Eid al-Adha holiday, which starts on Wednesday, May 27. 

يوم عرفة .. يوم المغفرة والرحمة وإكمال الدين وتمام النعمة .. اللهم تقبل من حجاج بيتك .. وتقبل من جميع المسلمين والمسلمات . وأعده علينا أعواماً عديدة وأزمنة مديدة..

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 26, 2026