In case you’re planning a trip with your loved ones or making travel arrangements for 2024, having a list of the upcoming public holidays in the United Arab Emirates can be helpful.
The UAE Cabinet has approved the following public holidays for the UAE in 2024, which will be observed by both the public and private sectors: UAE National Day and Eid Al Fitr.
Eid Al Fitr
Following the Holy Month of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is the first Eid festival of the year. The Festival of Breaking Fast is another name for the event that ushers in Ramadan.
The United Arab Emirates’ citizens will be on vacation from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Hijri). Due to Ramadan 29 falling on that day in the calendar known as the Islamic calendar, Monday, April 8, is the first day of the public holiday for Eid. Depending on the moon, Ramadan might last anywhere between 29 and 30 days. If Ramadan lasts for 29 days, residents will enjoy six days off for Eid, starting on Monday, April 8 (Ramadan 29) and ending on Thursday, April 11. After a six-day holiday, people who worked during the Saturday and Sunday weekend will return to work on Friday, April 12. If Ramadan lasts thirty days, then the Eid break will take place from Monday, April 8 (Ramadan 29) to Friday, April 12 (Shawwal 3). Stated differently, those who are off on Saturday and Sunday will take a nine-day break, with work returning on Monday, April 15.
Watch for formal announcements regarding this holiday.
Arafat Day
Arafat Day, the second day of the Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca), falls on an approximate date of 70 days following Eid Al Fitr in the Islamic calendar. It is regarded as the holiest day in Islam. Arafat Day occurs on Dhu Al-Hijjah 9, which is a Saturday, on June 15, 2024.
Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is celebrated, so the story goes, to honor Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son at the command of God. After telling his son about the dream, Prophet Ibrahim’s son instructed his father to obey. However, God stepped in and sent a sheep to stand in for his son. It is scheduled to occur on Dhu Al-Hijjah 10–12 in 2024.
Hijri New Year/Islamic New Year
A new lunar Hijri year begins on Hijri New Year, also known as Islamic New Year. It occurs on Sunday, July 7, 2024 (Muharram 1) in 2024.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi is expected to occur on Rabi’ Al-Awwal 12, which falls on a Sunday in 2024—September 15, 2024.
Commemoration Day and UAE National Day
Every year on December 1, Commemoration Day (formerly known as Martyrs’ Day) is celebrated. This is Sunday, 2024. Nevertheless, the United Arab Emirates observes National Day on December 2 and 3, which are Monday and Tuesday. For those of us who enjoy a two-day weekend, this means it will be a long four days off.
A week or so before to the holiday, officials usually provide their formal notice, so be sure to check whatson.ae for updates.
