The UAE marks several public holidays each year, celebrating Islamic occasions based on the lunar Hijri calendar, alongside national events following the Gregorian calendar. These holidays are not just days off work; they are vibrant, culturally rich observances that offer a glimpse into the UAE’s heritage and religious practices.
Public holidays in the UAE foster a sense of unity, reflecting the country’s rich tapestry of traditions and beliefs. They provide moments for residents to pause, celebrate, and reflect on the values that bind them together, from the sacredness of Ramadan to the joy of national achievements. This article “Guide To Public Holidays In Dubai, UAE 2024” delves into the essence of these celebrations, providing a comprehensive guide to the public holidays scheduled for 2024.
Public vs Private Holidays: Understanding The Difference
Public Holidays: A National Celebration
Public holidays in the UAE are those officially recognized by the government and observed across all seven Emirates. These holidays usually commemorate significant Islamic events, such as Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and the Islamic New Year, as well as pivotal national milestones like UAE National Day. In 2024, these occasions offer a unified moment of reflection, celebration, and rest, shared by both Emiratis and expatriates alike.
The UAE Cabinet typically announces these dates, which apply to all individuals working in the public sector and private sectors, ensuring that the spirit of these celebrations can be universally shared. These holidays not only honour the rich Islamic culture and the UAE’s heritage but also foster a sense of national identity and unity among the country’s diverse population.
Private Holidays: Sector-Specific Observances
In contrast, private holidays refer to those additional days off that may be granted by individual employers within the private sector. These can include company-specific holidays, annual leave, or additional discretionary holidays decided upon by the employer. The flexibility in private holidays acknowledges the diverse nature of private enterprises operating within the UAE and allows for a tailored approach to holiday allocation that can suit the specific needs of each organization.
While not uniformly observed across the country like public holidays, these holidays play a significant role in the work-life balance of employees in the private sector, offering rest and rejuvenation in alignment with organizational policies and the demands of the business landscape.
List Of Public Holidays In Dubai, UAE
Public holidays in the UAE are more than just days off—they are vital expressions of cultural identity, religious devotion, and national pride. They offer moments for reflection, celebration, and unity, reinforcing the social bonds that make the UAE a vibrant and cohesive society. The dates for holidays are subject to change based on moon sightings, Here is the full list of holiday dates UAE celebrates.
1. New Year holiday in UAE
Date: January 1
New Year’s Day, which is on January 1, This day is typically marked as an official holiday across the UAE, including Dubai. As it falls on a single day, there is officially 1 day of holiday for New Year’s celebrations in the UAE for the transition to next year. New Year’s Eve itself, on December 31, is celebrated widely with festivities and fireworks but is not a public holiday; the public holiday is recognized on the following day, January 1.
2. Ramadan 2024 and Eid al Fitr:
The festival begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, Ramadan, considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. In 2024, it invites Muslims in the UAE to renew their faith, strengthen community bonds, and practice charity. The exact dates vary, aligning with the lunar calendar’s sighting of the moon. In the year 2024, Ramadan is starting on March 11, 2024, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Eid Al Fitr 2024 Holidays: From Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3, 1445 AH (4 days)
Date: Expected around April 8 to 12, 2024 (Subject to moon sighting)
Following the month of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr marks a joyous end to the month of fasting. This festival begins with the sighting of the new moon and is celebrated with prayers, feasts, and community gatherings, embodying gratitude and fellowship among Muslims around the world.
The anticipated start for Ramadan in 2024 is on Monday, March 11. Following the Hijri calendar, Eid Al Fitr is set to be observed from the 29th of Ramadan to the 3rd of Shawwal, likely aligning with Monday, April 8 to Friday, April 12, as per the Gregorian calendar.
Based on these forecasts, individuals who have weekends off on Saturday and Sunday can expect a nine-day holiday, with work resuming on Monday, April 15. Conversely, if the moon sighting indicates a full 30 days of Ramadan, the Eid Al Fitr holiday would adjust to seven days, beginning on Tuesday, April 9, and concluding on Monday, April 15, factoring in the weekends. For more information on Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates check our blogs
Ramadan in Dubai UAE 2024 – Expat Guide
Things to Do in Dubai During Ramadan
3. Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha: From 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah 1445 AH (4 days)
Date: Arafah and Eid-ul-Adha –15, 16,17,18, June, 2024
Arafat Day, observed on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, is considered one of the most important days, associated with the Hajj pilgrimage and the Day of Repentance. It’s a day dedicated to fasting and prayer, reflecting on personal faith and devotion.
Eid Al Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, begins immediately after Arafah Day, spanning from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It’s a time for charitable acts, sharing meals with family and the less fortunate, and reflecting on the values of sacrifice and submission to God’s will.
In the United Arab Emirates, both Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha are Islamic festivals with official holidays, allowing for widespread participation in prayers, feasting, and charitable giving. The country comes alive with special events, family gatherings, and a general spirit of generosity and fellowship. Mosques and community centres host special prayers, while public spaces and homes are often decorated to mark the festive occasion.
4. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year): 1 Muharram 1446 AH
Date: Sunday, the 7th of July. (Subject to moon sighting)
The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, expected to fall on July 7th is an official holiday in the UAE, it marks the beginning of a new Islamic lunar calendar. It’s a time for Muslims to reflect on their faith and the passing of time, with prayers.
5. Prophet Mohammed’s birthday: 12 Rabi’ al-awwal 1446 AH
Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024 (Subject to moon sighting)
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday, observed on 12 Rabi’ al-awwal 1446 AH, falls on Sunday, September 15, 2024. As an official holiday, it provides a time for reflection and celebration of the Prophet’s life and teachings. In the United Arab Emirates, the day is marked by religious lectures, communal prayers, and educational events highlighting his contributions to Islam. It’s a day of unity and gratitude, fostering a deeper connection to Muslim culture, heritage, and principles among the community.
6. National Day Celebrations in the United Arab Emirates
Date: 2 and 3 December 2024 (2 days).
Commemoration Day and National Day combine to offer another splendid four-day break. December 2 and 3 day falls on Monday and Tuesday, resulting in a delightful four-day holiday steeped in UAE tradition and patriotic fervour. Commemoration Day, observed on December 1st, honours the sacrifices and heroism of the United Arab Emirates’s martyrs, setting a reflective tone ahead of the vibrant National Day celebrations on December 2nd and 3rd.
National Day, commemorating the union of the seven emirates in 1971, is a highlight of the year, bursting with pride and joy across the country. Each emirate showcases its unique spirit through parades, spectacular fireworks, lively concerts, and an array of cultural festivities, inviting all citizens to partake in the communal joy. With a holiday declared, residents have the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the celebrations, contributing to a strong sense of national identity and unity.
Key Takeaways for UAE Public Holidays in 2024
Holidays in the UAE are more than just days off—they are vital expressions of cultural identity, religious devotion, and national pride. They offer moments for reflection, celebration, and unity, reinforcing the social bonds that make the UAE a vibrant and cohesive society.
- Public holidays in the United Arab Emirates encompass a range of cultural and religious celebrations, reflecting the country’s diverse heritage.
- Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and UAE National Day are central to the annual calendar, each with its significance and mode of celebration.
- Long weekends for 2024 present opportunities for rest, travel, and family time.
- Understanding the difference between private and public holidays can help residents plan their schedules more effectively.
These holidays, with their deep roots in tradition and national identity, underscore the UAE’s commitment to preserving its heritage while fostering a sense of belonging and unity among its residents.
