UAE Public Holidays 2024: Complete Guide to Days Off in the UAE

UAE Public Holidays 2024: Complete Guide to Days Off in the UAE

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The United Arab Emirates is renowned for its vibrant culture, rich traditions, and dedication to celebrating national and religious events. In 2024, UAE residents and visitors can look forward to numerous public holidays, each holding significant importance and offering a unique opportunity to experience the country’s heritage. Whether you’re a resident, an expat, or a tourist planning to visit the UAE, understanding the country’s public holiday calendar can help you make the most of your time in the Emirates.

What Are Public Holidays in the UAE?

Public holidays in the UAE are designated by the government and provide time off to celebrate national, religious, and cultural events. These holidays are classified into fixed holidays and Islamic holidays, which follow the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar. While fixed holidays have set dates each year, Islamic holidays depend on the sighting of the moon, which can shift the holiday dates by a day or two.

The official public holidays are observed in both the public and private sectors, although some may vary slightly based on each sector’s requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the UAE’s public holidays in 2024.

UAE Public Holiday Calendar 2024

New Year's Day - January 1

The New Year’s Day holiday on January 1 is the first public holiday in the UAE and is widely celebrated by residents across the country. This day marks the beginning of the new year and is a time for families and friends to come together for celebrations, fireworks, and special gatherings. New Year Offer Our Online Shop Vape UAE.

Date: Monday, January 1, 2024
Duration: 1 day

Eid al-Fitr - End of Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a festive period celebrated by Muslims worldwide with prayers, feasts, and gift-giving. During Eid al-Fitr, families come together to pray and enjoy meals after a month of fasting. The holiday lasts for three to four days, and the exact dates are determined by the moon sighting.

Expected Date: Sunday, April 7, to Tuesday, April 9, 2024 (subject to moon sighting)
Duration: 3 days

Arafat Day - Day Before Eid al-Adha

Arafat Day is observed on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This day holds immense religious significance for Muslims, as it commemorates the day pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat during Hajj, the annual pilgrimage. Non-pilgrims in the UAE often observe this day with fasting and prayers.

Expected Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024 (subject to moon sighting)
Duration: 1 day

Eid al-Adha - Festival of Sacrifice

Following Arafat Day is Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. This significant holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Celebrated with prayers, feasts, and the tradition of animal sacrifice, Eid al-Adha is a time for families to gather, share meals, and extend charity to the less fortunate.

Expected Date: Monday, June 17, to Thursday, June 20, 2024 (subject to moon sighting)
Duration: 4 days

Islamic New Year - Hijri New Year

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Al-Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina and is a time for reflection and prayer.

Expected Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024 (subject to moon sighting)
Duration: 1 day

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)

Mawlid al-Nabi is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is a day of remembrance and appreciation. The holiday is marked by gatherings, prayers, and educational events that honor the Prophet’s teachings and contributions to Islam.

Expected Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 (subject to moon sighting)
Duration: 1 day

Commemoration Day - Honoring UAE’s Fallen Heroes

Commemoration Day is dedicated to honoring the Emirati soldiers who lost their lives serving the country. It is a solemn day of remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices made to protect the UAE’s security and values. Typically observed with ceremonies, this holiday reflects the UAE’s respect and support for its armed forces.

Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Duration: 1 day

UAE National Day - Celebrating the Union

The UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2 and is the most patriotic holiday in the country. This day marks the UAE’s union as a single country and celebrates the spirit of unity and progress that defines the nation. Events, parades, fireworks, and concerts fill the day, as Emiratis and residents come together to celebrate the nation’s achievements and cultural heritage.

Date: Sunday, December 2, to Monday, December 3, 2024
Duration: 2 days

Important Considerations for UAE Public Holidays

Moon Sighting and Holiday Confirmations

Islamic holidays in the UAE, such as Eid al-Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, are based on the Hijri calendar and are subject to the sighting of the moon. This means that the dates may vary by a day, and holiday confirmations are often made closer to the expected dates.

Public vs. Private Sector Holiday Observance

While public holidays are announced by the UAE government, the exact observance may vary slightly between the public and private sectors. In some cases, public sector employees may receive additional time off, particularly for Eid holidays. The private sector follows similar guidelines but may adjust holidays based on operational needs.

Planning Ahead

Public holidays in the UAE provide an excellent opportunity for residents and tourists to explore the country. Long weekends around Eid and National Day make it possible to travel within or outside the UAE, as many people plan mini-vacations around these breaks. However, popular destinations within the UAE, such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, may experience higher demand during these holidays, so it’s advisable to plan and book accommodations early.

Conclusion

The UAE public holidays in 2024 offer a range of celebrations that reflect the country’s cultural and religious values. From the patriotic spirit of UAE National Day to the solemn observance of Commemoration Day and the joyful gatherings of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, each holiday has its unique significance. Residents, expats, and tourists can experience these moments of unity, respect, and festivity, making the UAE a vibrant place to live and visit Myle Pods Dubai.

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