Najaf declares six-day public holiday for Arbaeen pilgrimage season

NAJAF, Iraq — The Najaf Provincial Council has declared a public holiday for all government offices in the province from Tuesday, July 28, 2026, through Sunday, August 2, 2026. According to the council's official announcement, security and service units are exempt from the order and will continue operations. The decision is intended to allow visitors in the city for the Arbaeen pilgrimage commemorating Imam Hussein, along with local residents, to participate in the commemoration and receive services. Government offices will suspend regular working hours during the six-day period, while security and service personnel remain on duty. Officials said preparations are ongoing to accommodate the influx of pilgrims, including arrangements for accommodation and transport. No further details on the scale of the planned services were immediately available.