Winter is steadily approaching, but before the festive season starts, the UAE has another major holiday to celebrate at the start of December – UAE National Day. It is officially celebrated on December 2.
Now comes the important question… ‘Does the UAE National Day have a public holiday?’ The answer is yes, yet this year’s December 2 falls on a Saturday, which is already a weekend for most of us. However, there may be some good news…
Commemoration Day (formerly known as Martyrs’ Day) is officially celebrated on November 30 but is observed on December 1. This year, December 1 occurs on a Friday, which could mean a three-day weekend beginning on Friday, December 1.
Commemoration Day (formerly known as Martyrs’ Day) is officially observed on November 30 but takes place on December 1. Because December 1 happens on a Friday this year, we can expect a three-day weekend from Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3.
We’ll have to wait for official confirmation, which usually arrives around a week before the holiday.
What is Commemoration Day?
Commemoration Day commemorates those who have given their lives in military and humanitarian endeavours both at home and abroad. It went into force in 2015, when then-UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan proclaimed that the day will become an annual public holiday to remember the UAE’s martyrs.
UAE National Day
The UAE will mark 52 years since its inception in 1971 in 2023. Apart from the UAE getting decked up in the colours of the UAE flag (red, green, white, and black) across the entire country, there will be a number of festivities taking place to commemorate the event. The main plans for the UAE National Day are still to be published, but we may expect vacation deals, dining deals, discounts to family-friendly sites, and other events. Stay tuned as we share some of the best things to do in the UAE.
When is the next public holiday?
That’s it for 2023, after Commemoration Day and UAE National Day. However, we won’t have to wait long for the first public holiday in 2024, which will take place on January 1, often known as New Year’s Day. Luckily for us, January 1 falls on a Monday, which means most of us will get a three-day weekend.
We’re eagerly awaiting the official announcement for the other public holidays in 2024, so stay tuned.
