Whether you’re an expat or a resident, the constant urge to check the upcoming holidays in UAE on the calendars and plan a week-long getaway has become a habit. This year, with the arrival of April, UAE is already counting down the days to the first public holiday of the year since Ramadan began on March 11th.
For 2024, the UAE Cabinet announced eight public holidays, including Eid-ul-Fitr, Arafaat Day, Eid-ul-Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)’s Birthday, Commemoration Day, UAE National Day, and New Year’s Eve.
At the time of these holiday observations, many of the private corporations and public sector organizations will remain closed although a few retail shops may operate depending on the times.
List of Public Holidays UAE - 2024
| Holiday Name | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Monday |
| Eid Al Fitr | April 9 - 12 | Tuesday - Friday |
| Day of Arafat | June 15 | Saturday |
| Eid Al Adha | June 16 - 18 | Sunday - Tuesday |
| Islamic New Year | July 7 | Sunday |
| Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Birthday | September 15 | Sunday |
| Commemoration Day | December 1 | Sunday |
| UAE National Day | December 2 & 3 | Monday & Tuesday |
Background of UAE Public Holidays
1. Eid-Ul-Fitr - 9 to 12 April 2024
One of the most exciting holidays is Eid ul-Fitr which signifies the culmination of Ramadan, which began on March 11 this year. During Ramadan, Muslims practice spiritual discipline while abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual relations upon hearing the call to prayer from dawn till dusk (sunset).
Expected to last for 30 days, Eid-ul-Fitr is observed on the 1st date of Shawwal, which is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar after Ramadan.
In the weeks leading up to the festival celebrations, the UAE government has announced the Eid holiday to be mandated for 1 week for all public sectors starting from April 8th, 2024 until Sunday, April 14th, 2024.
Since Ramadan began on March 11th, 2024, Eid-Al-Fitr in the UAE is predicted to fall on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024, depending on the appearance of the Shawwal crescent moon.
2. Arafat Day - 15 June 2024
Among the public holidays observed in the UAE is Arafat Day. An integral part of the Hajj pilgrimage, is the journey to Mecca, Arafat Day – the day before Eid-ul-Adha and is considered the holiest day in the Islamic calendar. On Arafat Day people spend their time fasting on this day and seek blessings and forgiveness.
The next public holiday declared in the UAE after Ramadan is Arafat Day which will fall on the 15th of June in the UAE.
3. Eid Al-Adha - 16 to 18 June 2024
Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice is the second major celebration for Muslims worldwide. This festival originated based on the event of Prophet Abraham when he was commanded by God to sacrifice one of his sons, Ishmael to testify his complete devotion to God. While performing this act he was guided by Angel Gabriel to sacrifice a ram instead, having fulfilled God’s commands.
Eid-al-Adha is of special importance considering the Day of Sacrifice observes the climax of Hajj or Pilgrimage (the fifth pillar of Islam).
As one of the major public holidays in the UAE Eid-al-Adha will be declared on Sunday, June 16th followed by two holidays observing the occasion that is on Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18.
4. Islamic New Year - 7 July 2024
In most countries including the UAE, the Islamic New Year or Hijri New Year is considered a public holiday. Unlike the Gregorian New Year which falls in January, the Islamic New Year represents the emergence of the Muslim period on the occasion of the Prophet’s journey from Mecca to Medina known as ‘Hijrah’ on the first of Muharram in 622 CE.
On this day, people devote themselves to special prayers, sermons, and Quranic recitals while others resort to preparing special meals at home and distributing among themselves as per traditional customs.
This year, the UAE will mark 7th July as the Islamic New Year.
5. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Birthday - 15 September 2024
Traditionally celebrated by Sunni Muslims, the Prophet’s Birthday, or Mawlid Al-Nabawi is considered to be a significant occasion in the Islamic faith that commemorates the life and legacy of the Prophet (PBUH).
Following the upcoming holidays in UAE, the UAE government has declared September 15 to be the Prophet’s birthday.
6. Commemoration Day - 1 December 2024
A day before National Day of the UAE, the Emirati state and people commemorate Martyr’s Day, to honour Emirati martyrs who have laid down their lives for the cause of military and humanitarian services.
As a public holiday, this underscores the due diligence to fostering military and patriotic awareness among youth and the civic public.
Commemoration Day in the UAE falls on the 1st of December, a Sunday.
7. UAE National Day - 2 & 3 December 2024
UAE National Day celebrations are held every year on the 2nd of December. On this day in 1971, the rulers of seven Emirates assembled to form one nation in defense of an independent nation for citizens, expatriates, and tourists alike.
This year the National Day falls on Monday which means you can expect a long weekend holiday.
FAQ'S About Public Holidays in Dubai
How many public holidays are there in the UAE?
The UAE calendar has included eight public holidays for the year 2024 which feature Eid-ul-Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year (Muharram), Prophet Muhammed’s Birthday, Commemoration Day, and the UAE National Day.
Who is entitled to public holidays in the UAE?
All public and private sector individuals including domestic workers, such as full-time nannies, housekeepers, and maids.
Does the UAE observe summer breaks?
Yes, all schools in the UAE will close for summer vacations starting from June 28, 2024, until August 26, 2024, followed by the new academic commencing at the beginning of September.
Is Christmas Day considered a public holiday in the UAE?
No, Christmas Day has not been declared as a UAE public holiday. However, many celebrations are held across the UAE on the 25th of December.
Is the Diwali celebration a public holiday in the UAE?
No, it is not. However, due to the large population of Indians and Hindus residing in the UAE, this is a common festival observed annually.
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