Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, marked the Day of Arafah on Tuesday with a public message describing the occasion as a time of forgiveness, mercy and blessings (per Emirates 24|7).
The message
In a post on his official X account, Sheikh Ahmed noted that the Day of Arafah is when the gates of heaven open for supplications, as millions of Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat to perform the central rite of the Hajj. He extended prayers for the pilgrims and good wishes to the wider community ahead of Eid Al Adha (per Emirates 24|7).
When the Day of Arafah falls in 2026
The UAE, alongside Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, observed the Day of Arafah on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, corresponding to 9 Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar. Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court confirmed the start of Dhul Hijjah on Monday and Arafat Day on Tuesday (per Saudi Press Agency).
Eid Al Adha follows immediately after, with the first day of the festival observed on Wednesday, 27 May. The UAE Government has approved a public holiday for the occasion, which extends into a long weekend for many residents (per Time Out Dubai).
Wider observance in the UAE
Senior UAE leaders typically issue messages on the Day of Arafah recognising both the spiritual significance of the day for Muslims and the contributions of pilgrims and worshippers across the country. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has previously highlighted the day as one of mercy and forgiveness, and other members of the ruling family have echoed similar themes in their public statements (per Emirates 24|7).
Across the UAE, mosques host special sermons and supplications, while many Emirati and resident families spend the day fasting, a practice strongly encouraged in Islamic tradition for those not performing Hajj. Charity drives, sacrificial meat distribution programmes and family gatherings are also commonly organised around the Eid Al Adha period (per Time Out Dubai).
Authorities have urged residents to plan road journeys carefully ahead of the long weekend and to follow guidance from licensed abattoirs and approved charities when arranging Qurbani sacrifices, in line with public health and animal welfare rules.
