Every public, religious, and national holiday in the United Arab Emirates this year. Updated when official announcements come from the UAE Cabinet.
The United Arab Emirates observes a mix of religious, national, and international holidays. Religious holidays follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar and dates can shift by 1–2 days based on moon sightings, announced officially by the UAE Cabinet shortly before the date.
National holidays celebrate UAE history — Commemoration Day on December 1 honours the country's martyrs, and UAE National Day on December 2 marks the formation of the union in 1971.
Most public holidays apply to both public and private sectors. When a holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), no compensatory off-day is typically given. When holidays span multiple days (like Eid), they sometimes connect to the weekend creating long breaks.
The UAE Cabinet announces official Eid holiday dates a few days before, based on confirmed moon sighting by the official moon-sighting committee. Until then, dates are estimated. The UAE government's official decree is the only authoritative source.
For most major UAE holidays — Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, National Day, New Year's Day — both public and private sectors get the same days off. Some smaller religious occasions may differ.
UAE schools typically observe all public holidays plus their own term breaks (winter break in December, spring break in April, summer holidays July–August). Specific school calendars are published by KHDA (Dubai) and ADEK (Abu Dhabi).
Commemoration Day (Dec 1) honours UAE service members and martyrs who died in service. National Day (Dec 2) celebrates the country's formation in 1971. Together they form a long weekend each December.
Cleaning. Car wash. AC service. IV therapy. Pet care. Salon at home. Same vendor every time. All emirates.