Public Holidays in the United Arab Emirates 2024
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrates various public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural, religious, and historical significance. These holidays bring together people from diverse backgrounds and provide opportunities for celebration, reflection, and community bonding. Here is a detailed list and description of public holidays in the UAE for the year 2024.
National Public Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1st
Description: New Year’s Day in the UAE marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy across the country, with fireworks, parties, and gatherings. Many people take this opportunity to spend time with family and friends and to reflect on the year ahead.
Eid al-Fitr – Date varies
Description: Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant religious holidays in Islam, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. In the UAE, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and gatherings with family and friends. It is a time of joy, gratitude, and giving, with many people also donating to charity and helping those in need.
Hijri New Year – Date varies
Description: The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and planning for the year ahead. In the UAE, Hijri New Year is observed with religious observances, cultural events, and family gatherings.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) – Date varies
Description: Mawlid al-Nabi commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. It is a time for Muslims in the UAE to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet and to celebrate his legacy. Mawlid al-Nabi is observed with prayers, recitations of poetry, and charitable acts.
National Day – December 2nd
Description: National Day in the UAE commemorates the country’s independence from British rule and the unification of the seven emirates on December 2, 1971. It is one of the most important national holidays in the UAE, celebrated with patriotic fervor and pride. National Day is marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and fireworks displays.
Commemoration Day – December 1st
Description: Commemoration Day, also known as Martyr’s Day, honors the Emirati martyrs who have sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. It is a day to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the martyrs and to express gratitude for their contributions to the UAE. Commemoration Day is observed with ceremonies, memorial services, and moments of silence.
Eid al-Adha – Date varies
Description: Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is another important Islamic holiday celebrated in the UAE. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha is observed with prayers, the sacrifice of animals, and the sharing of meat with family, friends, and those in need.
Table: Public Holidays and Days Off in the UAE 2024
| Public Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General population |
| Eid al-Fitr | Date varies | 2-3 days | Muslim community |
| Hijri New Year | Date varies | 1 day | Muslim community |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Date varies | 1 day | Muslim community |
| National Day | December 2 | 1 day | General population |
| Commemoration Day | December 1 | 1 day | General population |
| Eid al-Adha | Date varies | 2-3 days | Muslim community |