UAE Residents Expect Nine-Day Eid Al Adha Vacation

UAE residents can look forward to a massive long weekend in May. Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha provide the longest 2026 public holiday.

Astronomers expect Dhu Al Hijjah to begin on Monday, May 18. Arafah Day likely falls on Tuesday, May 26.

The UAE Cabinet officially approved a three-day holiday for Eid Al Adha. This festive break runs from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29.

How to Get Nine Days Off

Employees can easily stretch this six-day break into a nine-day vacation. You only need to request one single annual leave day.

Book Monday, May 25 off from work. You will enjoy nine consecutive days off by including the surrounding weekends. This creates a perfect opportunity for fun family travel.

Hajj Season and Arafah Day

The Hajj pilgrimage represents a crucial religious duty in Islam. Capable Muslims must make this journey at least once.

Millions of global pilgrims will gather in Makkah this May. The 2026 Hajj season runs from May 25 to June 30.

Pilgrims begin by entering a pure state called ihram. They then walk around the Kaaba for tawaf.

Arafah Day represents the absolute peak of this spiritual journey. Pilgrims stand in deep prayer on the plains of Arafat. The Prophet Muhammad called this specific day the core of Hajj.

Regional Holiday Schedules

Other Gulf nations also announced their official religious holiday schedules. Lunar sightings might slightly alter these exact dates.

Saudi Arabia

• Tuesday, May 26: Arafat Day (Waqfat)

• Wednesday, May 27: Eid Al Adha (Start)

• Thursday, May 28: Eid Al Adha (Day 2)

• Friday, May 29: Eid Al Adha (Day 3)

Oman

• Wednesday, May 27: Eid Al Adha (Start)

• Thursday, May 28: Eid Al Adha (Day 2)

• Friday, May 29: Eid Al Adha (Day 3)

Qatar

• Tuesday, May 26: Arafat Day / Eid al-Adha

• Wednesday, May 27: Eid al-Adha

• Thursday, May 28: Eid al-Adha

• Friday, May 29: Eid al-Adha

Bahrain

• Tuesday, May 26: Arafat Day (Waqfat)

• Wednesday, May 27: Eid Al Adha (Start)

• Thursday, May 28: Eid Al Adha (Day 2)

• Friday, May 29: Eid Al Adha (Day 3)

Kuwait

• Tuesday, May 26: Arafat Day (Waqfat)

• Wednesday, May 27: Eid Al Adha (Start)

• Thursday, May 28: Eid Al Adha (Day 2)

• Friday, May 29: Eid Al Adha (Day 3)