Good news for residents, one of the longest breaks of the year is just around the corner, as the UAE gears up for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha in May.

When is the holiday?

• Arafat Day is expected on Tuesday, May 26.
• Eid Al Adha will likely run from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29.

Since Arafat Day itself is a public holiday, many residents could enjoy a bumper long weekend, up to six days off when combined with the weekend.

What is Arafat Day?

Arafat Day is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar. It falls on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, just before Eid Al Adha, and marks the day when pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat during Hajj.

For Muslims, it’s a day of:

• Fasting (highly recommended for those not performing Hajj)
• Prayer and reflection
• Charity and seeking forgiveness

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or just some well-earned rest, this holiday stretch is one of the best opportunities in the year to unwind.

Just remember, official dates depend on moon sighting, so they may shift slightly.

Dubai is taking a bold leap into the future of governance, with a sweeping directive aimed at making government services faster, simpler, and smarter for everyone.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced that all Dubai government entities must integrate their services into a single unified digital ecosystem within one year. The goal? Cut through complexity and deliver seamless, user-friendly experiences for both individuals and businesses.

Speaking during a visit to Digital Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan emphasised reducing the number of platforms people need to use, replacing them with streamlined, specialised systems that save time and effort.

“Our goal is to make life easier, and strengthen Dubai’s competitiveness as a global hub for business and investment,” he said.

Government powered by AI and data

This isn’t just about merging apps; it’s about reimagining how government works.

Dubai is building a fully AI-driven model, where:

• 100% of government performance will be data-based
• An algorithm bank will store ready-to-use machine learning models
• AI accelerators will power faster decision-making

The ambition is huge:

• Boost GDP by over Dh10 billion within two years
• Rank among the world’s top 10 cities in AI readiness
• Ensure 80% of policies are backed by AI-driven insights
• Upskill leaders so 100% are proficient in AI and analytics

Smarter systems, smoother services

Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed next-gen projects designed to make government operations more connected and efficient:

• Unified resource planning systems covering finance, HR, payroll, and procurement
• Agentic AI assistants that let users complete services through simple conversations
• Smart city sensors (IoT) that can detect risks like smoke or fires and instantly alert authorities

Imagine requesting a government service just by chatting with an AI, and having it completed in seconds. That’s the direction Dubai is heading.

By putting technology, data, and people’s needs at the centre, Dubai is aiming to create a system where government services feel less like bureaucracy and more like a seamless, everyday experience.

Dubai is rolling out a major set of family-focused benefits, offering free parking, transport discounts, and fee exemptions to support Emiratis and strengthen family life across the city.

Under a new partnership between the Ministry of Family and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), senior Emiratis will soon enjoy free parking and reduced public transport fares. The move is part of the wider ‘Family First’ programme, aimed at easing daily costs and improving quality of life.

Even more significantly, People of Determination will receive sweeping benefits. These include exemptions from Salik toll fees, parking charges, public transport fares, and even vehicle registration and renewal costs. 

Additionally, they will benefit from 50 per cent discounts on taxi fares and driver licensing fees, making mobility far more accessible.

Students are also included in the initiative, with discounted public transport rates, helping families manage education-related expenses.

Officials say the initiative aligns with the National Family Growth Agenda 2031, which focuses on building stronger, more sustainable communities by putting families at the center of planning.

Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, emphasised that cities prioritising families are better positioned for long-term, balanced development. Meanwhile, Mattar Al Tayer of the RTA highlighted that the collaboration will help shape future transport systems and urban spaces around family needs, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in human-centred planning.

More initiatives announced

As part of the broader Year of Family efforts, the RTA has also introduced a range of community-driven initiatives:

• Mass weddings for Emirati employees
• Support for home-based businesses
• A mobile nursery bus for working mothers on Fridays
• Digital content promoting Emirati family values and culture
• Special nol cards dedicated to the Year of Family

Additionally, the RTA continues to expand inclusive services:

• Dedicated Metro and Tram cabins for women and children
• Thousands of student nol cards issued
• Hundreds of driving licences granted to People of Determination
• Ongoing support services benefiting hundreds of families

This latest move signals Dubai’s continued push toward creating a more inclusive, supportive environment, where families, accessibility, and quality of life take centre stage.