We have a long holiday coming up this May

Eid Al Adha could bring the longest public holiday of 2026. According to Gulf News, astronomer Ibrahim Al Jarwan – Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences – says the holiday is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, based on astronomical calculations.

As Eid Al Adha holidays are typically three days long, the break would run from Wednesday, May 27, to May 29, with Arafat Day expected to fall on Tuesday, May 26.

But what is Arafat Day?

Arafat Day is one of the most important days in Islam and takes place on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, just before Eid Al Adha.

It marks the day pilgrims performing Hajj gather at the Plain of Arafat near Mecca for prayer and reflection – considered the spiritual peak of the pilgrimage. The day also commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon, where he spoke about equality, justice and unity among Muslims.

For Muslims around the world who are not on pilgrimage, Arafat Day is often observed through fasting, prayer and acts of worship. Fasting on this day is believed to bring forgiveness for sins from the previous and coming year.

Is Arafat Day a public holiday?

Yes, Arafat Day is also recognised as a public holiday in the UAE.

For those with a typical Saturday-Sunday weekend, this could mean a six-day break. And if you’re strategic with annual leave, taking Monday, May 25 off could turn it into a nine-day holiday with weekends on either side.

Do note that the exact dates for Eid Al Adha 2026 will still depend on the official moon sighting, so confirmation from UAE authorities is yet to come.

Stay tuned to whatson.ae for the latest updates.

Midterm break for students to coincide with Eid Al Adha holidays

The Ministry of Education has also announced that the midterm break for the third academic term will coincide with the Eid Al Adha holidays, running from May 25 to 29, 2026.

The break applies to students, teachers and administrative staff across the UAE and forms part of the ministry’s approved academic calendar for the final term of the school year, which also outlines exam schedules, result announcements and other key holiday dates.

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