Dubai to observe dry day on Wakfa Arafa

Our Correspondent

All licensed venues in Dubai – hotels, resorts, restaurants, tour boats, leisure and sports clubs – have been instructed to refrain from hosting live entertainment and serving alcohol on the occasion of Arafat Day.

A circular was issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTM) on July 23 directing all hotels and restaurants across the emirate to observe a dry night from July 29 at 6.30 pm to July 30 at 7.30 pm.

The decision will be implemented ahead of Arafat Day, which falls this year on July 29. Eid Al Adha will be celebrated one day later, on July 30. UAE will have a four-day holiday from July 29 to August 2 on the occasion.

Last week, authorities in Saudi Arabia confirmed the moon sighting to mark the start of the Dhu Al Hijja month – the final month of the Islamic calendar. The ninth day of Dhu Al Hijjah corresponds to Arafat Day while Eid takes place on the 10th day.
Arafat Day is the holiest day of the year for Muslims. On this big Hajj day, pilgrims converge from dawn on the Mount Arafat plain and the hill known as Jabal Al Rahma or Mount of Mercy, to immerse in prayers and reflection.