Your 2024 Guide to Public Holidays in the UAE

As we begin to emerge from this wintry season, and dreams of days spent doing anything other than working fill our minds, the promise of post-Ramadan public holidays looms large. We’ve put together a list of the UAE’s six confirmed public holidays, comprising 12 total decadent days off, so you can start planning those long weekends, and apply for tactical time off to make the most of your work leave.

Though some dates are yet to be confirmed until specific lunar sightings, your excitement need not wait. Have a flick through our list and revel in the prospect of over two work-weeks worth of holiday…

Eid Al Fitr

~ Tuesday April 9th - Friday April 12th

Commemorating the end of Ramadan, you’ll have four whole days to decompress after a month of late nights and early mornings. Enjoy the festivities, the food and time with family and friends.

Arafah Day

~ Saturday June 15th

Arafah Day is celebrated on the eve of Eid Al Adha, the second day of Hajj. On this day, pilgrims make their way to Mount Arafah, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave one of his last sermons.

Eid Al Adha

~ Sunday June 16th - Tuesday June 18th

Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid Al Adha is the second of the two major celebrations in the Islamic calendar. The three day celebration honours Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, as an act of obedience to God’s command.

Islamic New Year

~ Sunday July 7th

This date marks the first day of the Islamic, or Hijri, Calendar, which is made up of 354 or 355 days depending on lunar sightings. For this reason, events in the Islamic calendar move backwards 10 days every year in relation to the Gregorian calendar.

The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

~ Sunday September 15th

This holiday celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 570 CE. Historical records suggest that the tradition of celebrating his birthday began in the 12th century. 

National Day

~ Monday December 2nd

The UAE’s National Day celebrates the official formation of the country in 1971, first formed as sixe Emirates before the addition of Ras Al Khaimah in February 1972. 

National Day Holiday

~ Tuesday December 3rd

An extra day of public holiday is declared to celebrate the Emirates’ formation and independence from foreign rule.