Every May, residents of the UAE look forward to one of the most attractive and relaxing long weekend opportunities in the country. While the Day of Arafah and Eid Al Adha are vital religious days of worship, they also bring a long public holiday for Emiratis.
The Day of Arafah falls on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the holiest days in Islam. Includes an official holiday in the United Arab Emirates. This day is usually followed by three days of Eid al-Adha celebrations, in addition to three days of extended public holidays.
When is the Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha in the UAE?
In 2026, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al-Adha from May 27 to May 29, 2026, as officially approved by the Council of Ministers.
With the weekend of May 30 and 31 falling, this could give residents an extended vacation of six days. As with all Islamic holidays, the exact dates are subject to the sighting of the moon.
Hajj 2026 and the Day of Arafat
Hajj is one of the most important religious obligations in Islam. As the fifth pillar of faith, anyone who is physically and financially able is expected to make the journey at least once in their life. Every year during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims from all over the world arrive in Mecca, Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj.
The Hajj in 2026 is expected to take place between May 25, 2026 and June 30, 2026 in the Gregorian calendar. Although the dates may change by one day depending on the official sighting of the moon in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The entire experience includes various poignant cultural steps including circumambulation around the Kaaba, stoning the devil at Mina and the Day of Arafat, when millions of pilgrims gather at Arafat near Mecca to stand for prayer and contemplation. Today, it is considered a vital part of the sacred experience, as the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) said, “Hajj is Arafat,” indicating that Hajj can only be completed at the moment.
How can you extend a long weekend into a long vacation?
For those looking to turn the festive long weekend into an extended vacation, taking one day of annual leave on Monday, May 25, could extend the break. This would also make it easier for your employer, and with weekends before and after your period, you can have enough rest to start work on June 1, Monday. However, make sure to confirm public holiday dates close in time, as they will be finalized based on the lunar calendar and moon sighting.