Saladin governor declares August 2 a public holiday for Arbaeen preparations

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The governor of Saladin province, Hisham al-Zahwan, has announced that official working hours at all government institutions across the province will be suspended on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The decision was made to allow institutions to finalize their service and security arrangements in preparation for the 40th-day commemoration visit to Imam Hussein, known as Arbaeen, the governor's office said. According to the statement, authorities will intensify efforts during the visitation period to provide visitors with the best possible services and to meet their needs. Al-Zahwan said the relevant agencies would continue coordinating their preparations. The holiday is intended to give the provincial administration time to align its security and logistical planning with the Arbaeen schedule, the statement added.