Public holidays are an integral part of any country’s cultural fabric, providing people with moments of rest, reflection, and celebration throughout the year. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a diverse and multicultural society, public holidays hold particular significance, blending tradition, religion, and modernity. Understanding and acknowledging these holidays are essential for both residents and visitors to navigate daily life effectively.
Public holidays are designated days on which most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed to commemorate or celebrate significant events. In the UAE, public holidays encompass a mix of religious, cultural, and national observances, reflecting the country’s rich heritage and values.
Importance of Knowing Public Holidays
Knowing the schedule of public holidays in the UAE is crucial for residents and visitors alike. It allows individuals to plan their activities, events, and travel arrangements accordingly, ensuring they can maximize their enjoyment and productivity while respecting local customs and traditions.
List of Public Holidays in the UAE for 2024
Here is a comprehensive list of public holidays in the UAE for the year 2024, categorized by month:
New Year’s Day:
New Year’s Day fell on Monday, January 1 & it was a fitting start to the new year with lots of fun moments with your loved ones.
Eid Al Fitr:
The first long public holiday of the year 2024 in UAE comes during the celebration of Eid Al Fitr. You can get 4 days off from April 9 to April 12 – Tuesday to Friday (Islamic Months – Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3).
Day of Arafat:
The Day of Arafat is one of the Islamic holy days which falls on the 9th day of the month Dhu Al-Hijjah.
It is expected to be on Saturday, June 15 of this year.
Eid Al Adha:
One of the two important Islamic holidays, Eid Al Adha is being celebrated in the days coming after the Day of Arafat.
The story behind this celebration connected to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) being ready to obey God’s order to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) and hence the day is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
The expected dates for this year are June 16, 17, and 18 (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday). You can take three days off from Sunday to Tuesday.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year):
This day marks the start of Islamic New Year (Also known as Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year). It’s on the first day of Muharram (first month of Islamic year) and which is expected to fall on Sunday, July 7 in 2024.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday:
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born on 12th of Rabiʽ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic Calendar. Every year it’s a public holiday in UAE to mark Prophet’s Birthday (a.k.a. Eid Milad un Nabi).
The expected date for this national holiday in 2024 is September 15, Sunday.
Commemoration Day:
Commemoration Day (formerly Martyrs’ Day) is one of the notable public holidays in the UAE as it is there for remembering and recognizing the dedication and sacrifices made by the Emirati Martyrs from the military, civil, and humanitarian fields who have given their life for the services of the nation. This year, it falls on December 01, Sunday.
UAE National Day:
The National Day holidays are following on from the Commemoration Day as the country celebrates its National Day on December 2 & 3 (Monday and Tuesday, respectively). It means another long weekend to conclude the public holidays for the year 2024.
NB: Some of the above given dates can be changed based on the moon sightings in the UAE. So, take that fact into consideration when you make holiday plans.
UAE Public Holidays List – 2024
| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Islamic Month |
| January 1 | Monday | New Year’s Day | – |
| April 9 – 12 | Tuesday – Friday | Eid Al Fitr | Ramadan 29 – Shawwal 3 |
| June 15 | Saturday | Day of Arafat | Dhu Al-Hijjah 9 |
| June 16 – 18 | Sunday – Tuesday | Eid Al Adha | Dhu Al-Hijjah 10, 11 & 12 |
| July 7 | Sunday | Islamic New Year | Muharram 1 |
| September 15 | Sunday | Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday | Rabiʽ al-Awwal 12 |
| December 1 | Sunday | Commemoration Day | – |
| December 2 & 3 | Monday & Tuesday | UAE National Day | – |
