The UAE Public Holidays in 2024: Your Desk Calendar

As we approach 2024, it’s essential to take note of the array of public holidays the nation has in store. 

These special days not only mark important events in the UAE’s history and culture but also provide residents and visitors alike with memorable experiences and opportunities to partake in the unique traditions of the country.

In 2024, the UAE public holidays calendar will include various occasions such as the New Year, Eid Al Fitr, UAE National Day, and others that we will mention further. 

From spending time with family on Eid Al Fitr to commemorating the country’s journey on UAE National Day, these public holidays in the UAE serve as a wonderful opportunity for everyone to enjoy the diverse facets of the UAE’s social fabric.

The UAE Public Holidays 2024

New Year Day

New Year’s Day, January 1, is a public holiday in the UAE, and in 2024, it falls on a Monday, providing a welcoming three-day weekend.

New Year’s celebrations are always a grand affair in the UAE, with magnificent fireworks displays, parties, and festive events taking place across the country. The beginning of the year is an excellent opportunity for families and friends to gather and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

In The UAE, the private and public sectors get a day off on January 1st to mark the beginning of the new year. 

This day is particularly significant as it allows people to reflect on the past year’s achievements and set goals for the coming year.

Tourists visiting the UAE during this time wonder if the New Year is a public holiday in the UAE, and the answer is yes. So they can expect lively entertainment options and a unique experience as they witness how the people living in the Emirates welcome the new year with enthusiasm and positivity.

Eid Al Fitr

Eid Al Fitr is a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. In 2024, UAE residents can look forward to enjoying a few days off during the festival.

The holidays for Eid Al Fitr in 2024 are expected to take place from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. The exact dates will depend on the lunar calendar, which means it may vary slightly each year. Ramadan is predicted to start on Monday, March 11, 2024. 

With this in mind, the Eid Al Fitr holidays are supposed to commence on Monday, 8 April to Friday, 12 April.

Those having a Saturday and Sunday weekend will get a nine-day holiday, with work starting on Monday, April 15, if the astrological forecasts come true. Eid al Fitr shall be observed as a seven-day holiday from Tuesday, April 8 to Friday, April 12, if the crescent moon cannot be seen and Ramadan is thirty days long.

During Eid Al Fitr, public and private sectors in the UAE will have the same number of days off, allowing everyone to fully partake in the festivities. This time is generally spent in prayer, gatherings with family and friends, and enjoying sumptuous feasts.

The holiday’s traditions typically include attending special morning prayers at mosques, wearing new clothes, and visiting family to exchange greetings and gifts. It is also considered a time for charitable acts, with many Muslims making donations to those in need.

Moreover, sweets and desserts are particularly popular during Eid Al Fitr, making it a treat for everyone involved.

Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)

Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha are significant public holidays in the UAE. They hold great importance in the Islamic calendar and are celebrated by both the public and private sectors.  

Arafah Day is observed on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It marks the second day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is the holiest city in Islam. Arafah Day is a time for Muslims to reflect, seek forgiveness, and engage in supplication. Many observe fasting as a way to express gratitude and devotion to Allah. 

Followers gather on the Day of Arafah at Mount Arafat, a hill located east of Mecca, known as the place where Prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon.

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, begins on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for four days. 

In 2024 it is supposed to be 15-18 June 2024.

It is the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Isma’il as an act of obedience to Allah. Muslims around the world observe this event by engaging in prayer, charity, and the act of sacrificing an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow.

 The Feast of Sacrifice is an occasion for sharing and giving, as the meat from the sacrificed animal is usually divided into three parts – for the family, the relatives, and the poor.

In the UAE, Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha are considered public holidays, with most offices and businesses closed for the observance. Families and friends come together to celebrate with special meals, exchange gifts, and engage in traditional practices. The government also organizes various events and activities to mark these festive days, allowing residents to enjoy the cultural richness of the nation.

During the period of Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, it is essential to be mindful of the UAE public holidays schedule and the potential impact on daily routines. Nevertheless, these important Islamic observances foster a strong sense of unity, generosity, and spiritual reflection among the people of the UAE.

Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year)

The Hijri New Year, also known as the Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of the new lunar Hijri year. In 2024, this significant event is set to fall on Sunday, July 7. The date corresponds to 1 Muharram in the Islamic calendar.

Emphasizing its importance, the day is observed as a public holiday in the UAE. Residents can expect to have a day off from work, providing an opportunity for individuals and families to reflect on the past year and plan for the upcoming one. It’s an ideal time to spend with family and friends or engage in spiritual activities.

Although celebrations for the Islamic New Year might not be as extravagant as some other holidays, it remains an essential and meaningful occasion for the Muslim community. This event is a perfect opportunity for people to learn about the history and significance of the Hijri calendar, which is central to Islamic culture’s major events and holidays.

Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday

In 2024, Prophet Mohammed’s birthday (PBUH) will be celebrated on 15 September, which is a Sunday as per the UAE public holidays calendar. 

This significant day of celebration is observed on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. It is a day to honor the birth of Prophet Mohammed, who was the founder of Islam and the final messenger sent by Alla

The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday is a public holiday in the UAE and many other Muslim countries. On this day, people engage in various activities, including prayers, religious lectures, and recitals of poems and hymns praising the Prophet. The occasion is also marked by Mawlid, where mosques and homes are illuminated with colorful lights, and sweets and other delicacies are shared among neighbors and the less fortunate.

Many Muslims in the UAE also use this occasion to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, embodying his messages of peace, love, and compassion. It’s common to see families and friends gathering to share meals and exchange gifts. 

The UAE government has made efforts to promote moderate interpretations of Islam, advocating the importance of tolerance and understanding among people of different faiths and cultures.

National Day

The United Arab Emirates National Day is an annual celebration that takes place on December 2nd, marking the historic event of the union of the seven emirates in 1971. 

UAE National Day 2024 is projected to be exciting, as the nation will observe its 53rd anniversary.

In 2024, December 2nd and 3rd will fall on a Monday and Tuesday. This means that residents could enjoy a long weekend for National Day. 

The festivities are expected to encompass a range of events, showcasing the UAE’s heritage, culture, and progress.

Some of the popular activities during National Day include:

• Spectacular fireworks displays
• Traditional performances and dances
• Air shows featuring the UAE Airforce
• Family-oriented events in parks and public spaces
• Special offers and sales in shopping malls around the country

Closing Remarks and Updates for 2024

As we approach 2024, residents and tourists alike in the United Arab Emirates can expect exciting celebrations and events throughout the year. 

Key public holidays such as New Year’s Day and UAE National Day will see the Emirates come alive with festivities. Don’t miss out on these remarkable occasions when the nation comes together!

Remember that the holiday dates are subject to changes and updates, so it’s always a good idea to consult official sources for the most accurate information.

In conclusion, 2024 promises to be another year filled with lively celebrations and cherished moments of reflection in the UAE. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, make sure to mark your calendars and embrace everything that the Emirates’ vibrant culture has to offer.