As the new year kicks off, it’s time to start planning your vacations and long weekends. Knowing the public holidays in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2024 is essential for scheduling trips family gatherings, and making the most of your time off.
Whether you’re a resident or a tourist planning a visit, understanding the UAE’s public holiday calendar will help you plan your activities and make the most of your time in this vibrant and diverse country.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the public holidays in the UAE for the year 2024. You will find a list of holidays celebrated throughout the year. Additionally, we will delve into the significance and cultural background of each holiday, giving you a deeper understanding of the traditions and customs associated with these special occasions.
Let’s dig in!
New Year’s Day
On January 1, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) observes a public holiday, which means that both the private and public sectors have to take a break. This year, it fell on a Monday, so the first day back to work was on Tuesday, January 2.
And guess what? If you had a two-day weekend, you surely were in for a treat! You had a nice long weekend from Saturday to Monday. That meant more time to relax, hang out with friends, or do whatever you loved doing on your days off.
Eid Al Fitr Holidays
After the Holy Month of Ramadan, it’s time for the first Eid holiday of the year in the UAE, known as Eid Al Fitr. Astronomers have made some predictions about the dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr in 2024. They say that Ramadan will start on Monday, March 11, 2024, based on their calculations.
For Eid Al Fitr, it’s expected to fall between Ramadan 29 and Shawwal 3 on the Islamic Calendar (Hijri). That’s likely to be from Monday, April 8, to Friday, April 12, on the regular calendar we use. But here’s the catch: these dates depend on when the crescent moon is sighted, as it marks the official start of the holiday.
If everything goes as predicted, folks with a Saturday and Sunday weekend are in for a real treat. They’ll score a nine-day break, and work will start up again on Monday, April 15. But if the crescent moon isn’t seen and Ramadan lasts 30 days, Eid Al Fitr will be a shorter seven-day break, from Tuesday, April 8, to Friday, April 12.
Eid Al Fitr is important for Muslims in the UAE and worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting and spiritual reflection. During this holiday, families and friends come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, partake in festive meals, and engage in acts of charity.
Arafat Day Holiday
Arafat Day, observed on the 9th day of Dhu Al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, holds immense significance in Islam as pilgrims participating in Hajj gather on the plains of Arafat, just outside Mecca.
The UAE, being a predominantly Muslim country, observes Arafat Day with great reverence. The day holds particular importance for Emirati Muslims, as pilgrims from the UAE join millions of others in Mecca during Hajj to perform the rituals, culminating on the plains of Arafat.
It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon on this sacred day. In 2024, Arafat Day falls on June 15th, a Saturday, marking a crucial moment in the spiritual journey of pilgrims.
Eid Al Adha Holidays
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, follows Arafat Day and commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
The dates for Eid al Adha 2024 have yet to be officially confirmed, but they are expected to fall between June 16 and 19, 2024. This Islamic holiday follows the lunar-based Islamic calendar and typically corresponds with days 10 to 12 of the month of Dhul Hijjah. The reason behind this is that the Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar by approximately 11 days, and the determination of the holiday relies on moon sightings. As a result, public and private sector holidays are subject to confirmation based on the sighting of the moon.
Considering this, workers in the UAE can anticipate having a three to four-day break from work, potentially including Saturday, June 15; Sunday, June 16; Monday, June 17; and/or Tuesday, June 18, as the designated holiday dates.
In the UAE, families take this holiday as a chance to hang out, share some good meals, and swap gifts. What’s interesting is they also do the whole animal sacrifice thing, but it’s not just about the BBQ – they make sure to share the meat with those who could use a good meal.
Hijri New Year/Islamic New Year Holiday
The Hijri New Year, also known as the Islamic New Year, is like the Muslim version of hitting the reset button on a brand new lunar Hijri year. So, in 2024, prepare for the kickoff on Sunday, July 7th, as it marks the start of Muharram – the first month in the Islamic calendar. This day isn’t just your usual calendar change; it’s a big deal for them, a time to reflect and make a fresh start.
When the crescent moon appears, they pause, think about the past, and plan for the future. The Hijri New Year is more than just a date shift; it’s a chance to renew their commitment to personal growth, self-improvement, and growing closer to our faith.
In the UAE, people come together for prayers, communal gatherings, and good vibes as they usher in the New Year. Mosques echo with prayers, and people seek blessings for the months ahead. Families and friends take this time to share meals, swap well wishes, and spread some good vibes through acts of charity. It’s a time to feel connected and united.
Rabi’ Al-Awwal 12: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
The 12th of Rabi’ Al-Awwal, which falls on September 15th 2024, marks the joyous occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday. Muslims worldwide commemorate this day with immense reverence and love. Celebrations are filled with spiritual reflection, recitations of the Quran, and gatherings in mosques and community centres.
Throughout the day, the faithful partake in charitable acts, emulating the Prophet’s (PBUH) exemplary character known for his generosity and kindness. Streets come alive with festive decorations, and homes echo with hymns and stories recounting the Prophet’s (PBUH) life and teachings.
UAE National Day and National Day Holiday (December 2-3)
The United Arab Emirates erupts in a symphony of celebration on December 2nd (Monday) and 3rd (Tuesday), marking their National Day or the Twin Days of Emirati Pride. These two days are about celebrating the UAE’s birthday.
The streets come alive with parades, music, and dancing. Everyone wears the UAE’s colours – red, green, white, and black – showing how proud they are to be Emirati. It’s a time for families and friends to get together, eat delicious food, and have a blast!
From dazzling fireworks painting the night sky to family feasts brimming with Emirati delicacies, these two days pulsate with a shared sense of pride and optimism for the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2024 promises to be an exciting year for public holidays in the UAE. With New Year’s Day falling on a Monday, it provided a much-needed long weekend and a chance for everyone to kick off the year with a well-deserved break. These holidays provide much-needed rest and an opportunity to connect with loved ones and celebrate the rich cultural traditions of the UAE. As we mark our calendars with these upcoming holidays, let’s embrace the joy and unity they bring, cherishing the moments spent with family and friends. So, get ready to plan your vacations, enjoy quality time off work, and make the most of these special occasions.
