Every year in May, UAE residents look forward to one of the most appealing and relaxing long-weekend opportunities in the country. While Arafah Day and Eid Al Adah arrive as vital religious days for worship they also bring along a long public holiday for the Emiratis. Arafah Day, falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar and is considered to be one of the holiest days in Islam. It involves a public holiday in the UAE. This day is usually followed by the three-day Eid Al Adha celebrations, also providing three days of extended public holidays.

When are Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha in UAE?

In 2026, Arafah Day is expected to fall on May 26, Tuesday, followed by Eid Al Adha from May 27 to May 29, 2026, as officially approved by the UAE Cabinet. With the weekend falling on May 30 and 31, this could give residents a six-day extended holiday. As with all Islamic holidays, the exact dates are subject to the moon sighting.

Hajj 2026 and Arafah Day

Hajj pilgrimage is one of the most important duties in Islam. As a fifth pillar of the faith, anyone physically and financially capable, is expected to make the journey at least once in their lifetime. Each year during the month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims from across the world arrive in Makkah, Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. In 2026, Hajj is expected to take place between May 25, 2026 to June 30, 2026 in the Gregorian Calendar. Though dates may shift by one day as per the official moon sighting in Saudi Arabia. The entire experience includes various moving cultural steps including walking around the Kaaba, stoning of the devil at Minah and Arafah Day, when millions of pilgrims gather at Arafat near Mecca to stand in prayer and reflection. The day is a vital part of the holy experience as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that “Hajj is Arafah,” highlighting that the pilgrimage is not complete without the moment.

How to extend your long-weekend into a long-vacation?

For those looking to transform the festive long-weekend into a long-vacation, taking a single day of the annual leave on Monday, May 25, could extend the break. This would also make it easy on your employer and combined with the weekends before and after the period, you could rest well enough to begin work on June 1, Monday. However, ensure to confirm the official holiday dates closer to the time, as they will be finalised based on the lunar calendar and moon sighting.