United Arab Emirates Public Holidays
United Arab Emirates Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in United Arab Emirates? All public holidays in United Arab Emirates are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the United Arab Emirates employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to United Arab Emirates and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
National Public Holidays in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, each of which has a rich history and culture. The public holidays in the UAE are a blend of religious observances, national celebrations, and cultural traditions that reflect the country’s Islamic heritage, its unification as a nation, and its significant role on the global stage. Below is a list of the main public holidays in the UAE, along with their significance, how they are celebrated, and the groups of people who observe these holidays.
New Year’s Day – January 1
Date: January 1
Observance: Nationwide
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated by the citizens and residents of the UAE. The day is usually a low-key event in the country, as the UAE follows the Islamic lunar calendar for its public holidays. Many people enjoy a day of rest, while others may attend private gatherings, parties, or enjoy local attractions. In major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there are spectacular fireworks displays and other entertainment events.
Significance:
New Year’s Day is a global celebration that marks a new beginning, and in the UAE, it is often seen as an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to new opportunities and achievements.
Day Off:
New Year’s Day is a public holiday, offering a day off to all citizens and residents in the UAE.
Labour Day – May 1
Date: May 1
Observance: Nationwide
Labour Day is celebrated in the UAE to honor the contributions of the working class to the nation’s development. The day is marked by various activities and events, including speeches from government officials, organized rallies, and labor rights discussions. This is a day to recognize the importance of workers across all sectors, including construction, healthcare, and services.
Significance:
Labour Day highlights the contributions of workers and emphasizes the importance of fair working conditions and workers’ rights. It is a day of solidarity and reflection on the role of labor in the economy.
Day Off:
Labour Day provides a day off for all workers, with a focus on those in manual labor and service-oriented sectors, such as construction and hospitality.
National Day – December 2
Date: December 2
Observance: Nationwide
National Day in the UAE celebrates the unification of the seven emirates into one country in 1971. The formation of the UAE was a landmark moment in the nation’s history, and National Day is a time for reflection on the country’s achievements, progress, and unity. The day is marked by grand celebrations, including parades, fireworks, concerts, and cultural performances. Major landmarks like the Burj Khalifa are lit up in national colors, and people display their pride with the waving of the UAE flag.
Significance:
National Day represents the unity and strength of the UAE. It is a day of national pride that honors the country’s development since its founding. The holiday also reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to progress and prosperity.
Day Off:
National Day is a public holiday for all citizens and residents of the UAE, providing a day off to participate in national celebrations.
Independence Day (Commemoration of the UAE’s Founding) – December 2
Date: December 2
Observance: Nationwide
Independence Day in the UAE commemorates the day the country gained independence and was formed as the United Arab Emirates. The celebrations focus on the historical significance of the union and the country’s progress since its founding. Events include speeches, cultural displays, and public gatherings.
Significance:
This day celebrates the foundation of the nation and the determination of its founders. It highlights the importance of unity in the UAE’s development and success on the world stage.
Day Off:
Independence Day is observed as a public holiday across the UAE, providing citizens and residents with a day off to celebrate the formation of the country.
Eid Al-Fitr – Varies (Islamic Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (Based on the Islamic lunar calendar)
Observance: Nationwide
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant religious holidays in the UAE and is celebrated at the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The day begins with special prayers in mosques, followed by visits to family and friends. Muslims also give zakat (charitable donations) to help those in need. People in the UAE dress in their finest clothes, and the day is marked by feasts, exchanging gifts, and spending time with loved ones.
Significance:
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. It is a day of thanksgiving for the strength to complete the fast and a time to share blessings with others.
Day Off:
Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday, and all Muslim citizens and residents are given time off to observe the religious rituals and celebrations.
Eid Al-Adha – Varies (Islamic Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (Based on the Islamic lunar calendar)
Observance: Nationwide
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command. In the UAE, the holiday is observed with prayers, feasts, and the sacrifice of animals (usually sheep or goats) in remembrance of Ibrahim’s devotion to God. The meat is distributed among family, friends, and those in need.
Significance:
Eid al-Adha is one of the holiest days in Islam, symbolizing faith, obedience, and selflessness. The day also honors the prophet’s sacrifice and reinforces the values of charity and community support.
Day Off:
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday, and all Muslim citizens and residents are given time off to participate in the religious and cultural observances.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) – Varies (Islamic Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (Based on the Islamic lunar calendar)
Observance: Nationwide
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the new lunar calendar year in the Islamic tradition. While not as widely celebrated as other Islamic holidays, it is recognized in the UAE with a public holiday. The day is marked by prayers and reflection, as Muslims anticipate the coming year.
Significance:
The Islamic New Year is an occasion for reflection on the past year and setting spiritual and personal goals for the upcoming year. It marks the passage of time according to the Islamic calendar.
Day Off:
Islamic New Year is a public holiday, and it provides a day off for Muslim citizens and residents.
The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi) – Varies (Islamic Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (Based on the Islamic lunar calendar)
Observance: Nationwide
Mawlid Al-Nabi is the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a day for Muslims to reflect on the life, teachings, and contributions of the Prophet Muhammad. In the UAE, it is marked by special prayers, religious lectures, and charitable acts. Families often gather for festive meals and share the teachings of Islam with the younger generation.
Significance:
Mawlid Al-Nabi celebrates the life and legacy of Prophet Muhammad, whose teachings form the foundation of Islam. The day is marked by a sense of reverence, spiritual reflection, and devotion.
Day Off:
Mawlid Al-Nabi is a public holiday in the UAE, providing a day off for all Muslim citizens and residents to observe the religious and cultural traditions.
Flag Day – November 3
Date: November 3
Observance: Nationwide
Flag Day in the UAE is celebrated annually to honor the national flag and the unity of the country. The day marks the moment when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, first raised the flag in 1971. The holiday is marked by ceremonies, flag-raising events, and celebrations of the nation’s progress.
Significance:
Flag Day is a symbol of unity and pride in the UAE. It is a reminder of the founding of the nation and the continued strength and growth of the country.
Day Off:
Flag Day is a national holiday in the UAE, providing a day off for all citizens and residents to participate in the celebrations.
Table of Public Holidays in the UAE
Below is a table summarizing the key public holidays in the UAE, the number of days off, and the groups of people who benefit from these holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 | Nationwide (All workers) |
| National Day | December 2 | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| Eid al-Fitr | Varies annually | 2-3 | Nationwide (Muslim citizens) |
| Eid al-Adha | Varies annually | 2-3 | Nationwide (Muslim citizens) |
| Islamic New Year | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Muslim citizens) |
| The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Muslim citizens) |
| Flag Day | November 3 | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
