If you live in or are visiting the UAE, knowing what is open and what is closed on Arafat Day — Tuesday, 26 May 2026 (officially confirmed by the UAE Council for Fatwa) can save you a wasted journey or help you take advantage of one of the quietest, most pleasant days in the city calendar. From malls to mosques, banks to beaches, here is the full picture.
Arafat Day operates under UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 as a one-day public holiday. Most government offices, schools, courts, and corporate businesses are closed. Shopping, leisure, food, and tourist attractions stay open — usually with adjusted hours.
What Is Closed on Arafat Day in UAE
Arafat Day is a federal public holiday. The following are fully closed across all seven emirates on Tuesday, 26 May 2026:
Plan ahead: complete any banking, government paperwork, or document attestation before Monday 25 May — once the four-day Eid block begins, these services are unavailable until Monday 1 June.
What Stays Open on Arafat Day in UAE
Banking on Arafat Day 2026
UAE bank branches are closed across all four public holiday days (26–29 May 2026). The following still work:
- ATMs — All ATMs operate normally; cash withdrawals, balance enquiries, transfers
- Mobile & online banking — All UAE banks’ apps and online platforms operate 24/7
- Customer service hotlines — Emergency lines (lost cards, fraud) operate 24/7
- Branches reopen — Monday 1 June 2026 (after Eid + weekend)
Government Services on Arafat Day
All federal and Emirate-level government service centres are closed. Plan ahead for:
- Visa renewals, Emirates ID — complete by Monday 25 May, or wait until Monday 1 June
- Trade licence renewals — DED, Abu Dhabi, free zones all closed
- Driving licence, vehicle registration — RTA service centres closed; some online services available
- Court hearings — all postponed; emergency criminal matters handled via 24/7 prosecution channels
Mosques on Arafat Day
Mosques across the UAE hold special programmes on Arafat Day. Expect extended Quran recitations, sermons on the meaning of the day, and large dua gatherings between Asr (~3:47 PM) and Maghrib (~7:10 PM) — the spiritual peak of the day.
Many mosques run special Iftar arrangements for those fasting. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Islamic Culture and Awqaf will likely publish a list of designated mosques running official Arafat Day Iftar programmes — check iacad.gov.ae closer to the day.
Tip: Plan These the Day Before
The day before Arafat Day — Monday 25 May 2026 — is a regular working day for offices but a school holiday. Get these done on Monday or earlier:
- ✅ Banking errands, cash withdrawals, cheque deposits
- ✅ Document attestation, notary, typing centre visits
- ✅ Visa renewals, government paperwork
- ✅ Bulk grocery shopping for the Eid period
- ✅ Pet care arrangements (if travelling for Eid)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are malls open on Arafat Day in Dubai?
Yes. All major Dubai malls are open on Arafat Day (26 May 2026) with reduced hours, typically 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM. This includes Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre, and Marina Mall.
Are banks open on Arafat Day in UAE?
No. Bank branches are closed across the UAE on Arafat Day and all three Eid Al Adha days (26–29 May 2026). ATMs, mobile banking, and online services operate normally. Branches reopen Monday 1 June 2026.
Are restaurants open on Arafat Day in UAE?
Yes. Most restaurants and cafes are open with reduced hours. Expect quieter mornings (many residents are fasting) and busy Iftar evenings. Hotel buffets run Iftar and Suhoor menus.
Is the Dubai Metro running on Arafat Day?
Yes. Dubai Metro, Tram, RTA buses, and taxis all operate. RTA typically extends Metro and Tram operating hours during Eid holidays. Check rta.ae for exact holiday timings closer to the day.
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