UAE residents will also get one of the godfatherly length-long public holiday breaks in 2026 as the Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha will merge to create a period of prolonged time off.
The Arafah Day is celebrated on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, and it has a great religious importance in Islam, being officially instituted as a national holiday in the UAE. It is then succeeded by one of the most celebrated اسلامی festivals called Eid Al Adha, which is marked in three days. The conclusive dates, like all Islamic celebrations rely on the official sighting of the moon.
As per recent estimations, Arafah Day will be on Tuesday, the 26 th of May, 2026. Eid Al Adha will subsequently, as a member of the UAE Cabinet, be anticipated to be conducted in the period of Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29. Coupled with the weekend, the residents may enjoy a six-day extended holiday.
This could,d however be furthered with the help of strategic planning. By taking one day of annual leave on Monday, May 25, even those who can afford a nine-day holiday, two weekends long, which is great when it comes to travelling, spending time with family, or resting.
The UAE have encouraged people to verify the official dates known around the time since Islamic calendar is guided by the moon and can easily change. In the meantime, the period of Dhul Hijjah is now projected for May 18, 2026.
Hajj Season 2026
The Hajj is estimated to start at the end of May 2026, but precise dates are subject to the observation of the moon in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage has several rituals which include entering ihram state, Tawaf around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwa and assembling at the plains of Arafat.
Arafah Day Feast of Ramadan
Peak of hajj is Arafah Day. On this day, pilgrims throng Mount Arafat where they engage in intense praying and reflection which is said to be a precondition to the legitimacy of the pilgrimage. It is so important that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said Hajj is Arafah, which is the main part of the Islamic worship.
The day also has immensely religious importance to Muslims the world over besides Hajj and is usually characterized by fasting, dua and devotional activities.
