Those of us in the UAE, may have only just returned to work after a nine-day break for Eid Al-Fitr, but that hasn’t stopped us dreaming about the next public holiday.
Last year, the UAE cabinet confirmed the approved holidays for all government and private sectors in 2024, announcing the dates according to the Islamic calendar.
#UAE_Cabinet approves official holidays calendar for government and private sectors for year 2024 pic.twitter.com/HHtIQawNy8
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) November 21, 2023
When is the next public holiday in the UAE?
While we have already ticked off two major public holidays this year, we don’t have to wait too long for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha.
It should be noted that the official calendar dates of the public holidays will be confirmed upon the moon sighting. However, experts are able to determine estimated dates.
In the spirit of planning ahead, the GRAZIA team has put together a guide to the remaining UAE public holidays in 2024. So, make sure you bookmark this page to stay up-to-date when it comes to holiday planning next year.
Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha (4 day break)
Arafat Day is marked on Dhu Hijah 9 in the Islamic calendar and is celebrated as part of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. It is followed by Eid Al Adha, or the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, another important Islamic holiday that takes place from Dhu Hijah 10 to 12. In the Gregorian calendar, it will fall in June 2024.
Subject to the sighting of the moon, Arafat Day is likely to fall on Saturday, June 15, 2024, with the following day, June 16, to mark the beginning of Eid Al Adha. It’s likely to be a four-day break for those in the UAE, returning to work on June 19, 2024 (subject to the lunar calendar). This holiday commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son and involves prayers, reflection and the sacrifice of livestock. The meat from the sacrificed animals is shared with family, friends, and the less fortunate, emphasising the values of compassion and sharing.
Islamic (Hijri) Ne) Year
The Hijri New Year, also known as Islamic New Year or Arabic New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. It falls on Muharram 1 in the Islamic calendar, which is predicted to fall on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is celebrated on the 12th day of the Islamic lunar month of Rabi’ al-awwal. In accordance with the sighting of the moon, it’s expected to fall on Sunday, September 15.
Commemoration Day & UAE National Day (3 day break)
Commemoration Day, which was previously known as Martyr’s Day, recognises the Emirati soldiers who have given their lives in service of their country. National Day marks the day when the seven emirates united together to become the United Arab Emirates under the leadership of the Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed.
In 2024, Commemoration Day will fall on Sunday, December 1 and the National Day holiday will be December 2 and December 3, meaning the UAE private sector and public sector will enjoy a potential three-day break.
As always, all public holidays are subject to official confirmation by the UAE authorities.
