In the coming year, the United Arab Emirates promises an exciting array of holidays, offering extended weekends and ample time off totaling up to 13 days across the public and private sectors. This early confirmation by the UAE Cabinet sets the stage for an eventful and leisure-filled 2024.
Contents
Confirmed Holidays for 2024:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3: Eid Al-Fitr
- Dhu Al Hijjah 9: Arafat Day
- Dhu Al Hijjah 10 to 12: Eid Al-Adha
- Muharram 1: Islamic New Year
- Rabi’ Al-Awwal 12: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
- December 2: National Day
- December 3: National Day holiday
While specific dates for some holidays are confirmed, others remain contingent on moon sightings, a tradition observed in the UAE. Although not yet officially announced, estimations place these holidays within a narrow two-to-three-day window, providing an exciting opportunity for planning ahead.
Predicted Dates for 2024 Holidays:
- April 8 to April 12: Anticipated Eid al Fitr holiday period, potentially granting a nine-day reprieve.
- June 15 to June 18: A potential four-day weekend for Eid al Adha.
- July 7: Islamic New Year
- September 15: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
Eid al Fitr, predicted to occur around April 10, could result in an extensive break if Ramadan begins on March 11, 2024. This forecast suggests a nine-day hiatus, marking a significant opportunity for rejuvenation and relaxation.
Similarly, Eid al Adha might present a four-day weekend from June 15 to June 18, making it an excellent time for families and friends to come together and celebrate.
The Islamic New Year and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday are expected to occur on July 7 and September 15, respectively. However, whether these dates will be declared as public holidays remains to be confirmed by authorities.
As the year draws to a close, December brings the much-awaited National Day celebrations. Commemoration Day is projected to fall on December 1, preceding a public holiday on December 2 and an additional holiday on December 3, likely resulting in another four-day weekend for residents and citizens alike.
With a calendar packed full of potential extended breaks and opportunities for quality time, 2024 promises to be a year of leisure, celebration, and cherished moments with loved ones in the UAE.
#UAE_Cabinet approves official holidays calendar for government and private sectors for year 2024 pic.twitter.com/HHtIQawNy8
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) November 21, 2023
UAE Holiday 2024: 13 days off, 4 Long Weekends
Happy New Year: 3-day Weekend
UAE residents are poised to commence 2024 with an extended weekend. January 1, the inaugural official holiday of the year, conveniently falls on a Monday, ensuring a luxurious three-day weekend. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge after ushering in the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Eid Al Fitr: 6-day Break
The culmination of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, heralds a substantial holiday period. Government declarations encompass Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 as public holidays, yielding approximately four to five days off, contingent upon the month’s duration. According to the Hijri calendar on the IACAD website, Ramadan spans 29 days. As per the Gregorian calendar, this spans from Tuesday, April 9, to Friday, April 12. Considering the weekend days, this results in a lavish six-day hiatus.
Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha: 5 Days Off
Arafah Day, a paramount observance in Islam, aligns with Dhul Hijjah 9. Following this, Eid Al Adha extends the celebrations over the ensuing three days. On the Gregorian calendar, these significant days are expected to fall from Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19. With the inclusion of the weekend (Saturday, June 15), individuals can relish an ample five-day respite to commemorate this profound festival.
Islamic New Year: 1-day Holiday
The arrival of the Islamic New Year, Muharram 1, anticipated on Sunday, July 7, promises a solitary day off, although it doesn’t manifest as an extended holiday period, except for those whose weekends don’t align with Friday and Saturday.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
The commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday on Rabi Al Awwal 12 lacks immediate clarity regarding its equivalent date on the Gregorian calendar.
National Day
The culminating official holiday of the year is a substantial one. Falling on Monday and Tuesday, December 2 and 3, respectively, and complemented by the surrounding weekend, this results in a delightful and extensive four-day holiday period, inviting residents to revel in the celebrations.
