June 20th declared a public holiday for Eid al-Adha

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has declared Thursday, June 20^th, a public holiday via a directive issued by the President’s Office on Friday.

According to the directive, the day was declared a public holiday as many citizens have made travel arrangements, both abroad and to atolls, under the assumption that June 20^th is a public holiday.

Islamic Ministry made changes to the calendar after the crescent moon was sighted in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night, declaring the commencement of Dhul Hijjah on Friday, June 7^th.

As such, Arafat Day falls on Saturday, June 15, and Eid al-Adha on Sunday, June 16.

Henceforth, the directive states June 20^th was declared a public holiday to mitigate any potential inconvenience the public may encounter in returning from their holidays.

Notably, the government has previously designated June 17, 18, and 19 as holidays for Eid al-Adha celebrations.

Following Friday’s directive, the government will reopen after the Eid al-Adha holidays on Sunday, June 23^rd.