The UAE Cabinet released a list indicating that citizens would have at least 13 public holidays in 2024. With a six-day vacation being the longest, four of the seven formal events will convert into longer weekends.
These holidays are taken on top of the thirty yearly leaves that employees are entitled to each year. The bulk of foreigners living in the United Arab Emirates utilise their yearly leave to visit their home countries, according to several surveys on travel undertaken in recent months. People set aside public holidays and the long weekends that accompany them for international or domestic getaways.
The majority of the dates that were revealed on Tuesday matched the Islamic calendar. We used the Hijri calendar, which is published on the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) website, to determine the dates in the Gregorian calendar for 2024. This can help you plan ahead more effectively.
Hijri calendar months have either 29 or 30 days in length, based on when the moon is visible as a crescent. The relevant authorities will make an announcement closer to the event regarding the actual dates based on this.
UAE public holidays in 2024: Official dates
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3: Eid Al-Fitr
- Dhu Al Hijjah 9: Arafat Day
- Dhu Al Hijjah 10 to 12: Eid Al-Adha
- Muharram 1: Islamic New Year
- Rabi’ Al-Awwal 12: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
- December 2 & 3: National Day holiday
Happy New Year: 3-day weekend
Residents of the UAE will have a long weekend to start 2024. January 1st is a Monday, making it the first official holiday of the year and a three-day weekend. This means that on New Year’s Eve of 2024, you get to sleep for a whole day.
Eid Al Fitr: 6-day break
The month-long fast of Ramadan comes to a conclusion with this Islamic celebration. The Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 period has been designated as a public holiday by the government. Depending on whether the month has 29 or 30 days, this is roughly four or five days off.
Ramadan will be 29 days long, according to the Hijri calendar that is available on the IACAD website. In light of this, Tuesday, April 9, through Friday, April 12, are the corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar. This is a six-day hiatus when the Saturday-Sunday weekend is taken into account.
Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha: 5 days off
Arafah Day, which is celebrated on Dhul Hijjah 9, is regarded as the holiest day in Islam. Over the next three days, people celebrate the Islamic holiday, Eid Al Adha. The Gregorian calendar dates that correspond to these are Sunday, June 16, through Wednesday, June 19. To commemorate the celebration, there will be five days off, including the weekend of Saturday, June 15.
Islamic New Year: 1-day holiday
In July of 2024, there will be a second new year. On Sunday, July 7, Muharram 1, the first day of the Hijri year, is anticipated to occur. Even though it’s not a long holiday, individuals who don’t have a Sunday weekend have the day off.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
The date of it is thought to be Rabi Al Awwal 12. It’s unclear what day it is on the Gregorian calendar right away.
UAE public holidays in 2024: National Day
The final official holiday of the year is an extended one. December 2 and December 3 fall on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. That makes for a four-day holiday when paired with the Saturday-Sunday weekend.
FAQs
Do public holidays remain the same or do they vary annually?
The dates of Islamic holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are determined based on the lunar calendar and can vary each year. Other public holidays, like National Day and New Year’s Day, are fixed.
Do private sector employees get paid on public holidays?
In the UAE, private sector employees may receive paid leave on public holidays, but this can vary depending on the employer’s policies. Some companies may offer additional benefits or bonuses for working on holidays.
Can tourists participate in local holiday celebrations?
Tourists are welcome to join in local holiday celebrations. It’s a great opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. However, tourists should be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Can expatriates celebrate their own religious holidays in the UAE?
Yes, expatriates are free to celebrate their own religious holidays in the UAE. The country is known for its cultural diversity, and people of different faiths coexist harmoniously.
Are there any restrictions on public celebrations during holidays?
While celebrations are generally allowed, it’s essential to be mindful of local customs and traditions. Excessive noise and public disturbances may be regulated, and certain cultural sensitivities should be respected.