Many of us make it a habit to stay informed about UAE public holidays, as it allows us to plan our 2024 holidays in the UAE well in advance.

Whether you’re considering an exciting trip with friends and family within Dubai or Abu Dhabi, or planning to travel abroad, being aware of the upcoming long weekends in the UAE is key to making the most of your time off.

To assist you in your planning, we’ve compiled a complete list of public holidays in the UAE for the year 2024.

Curious about how many holidays you’ll enjoy in 2024?

You’ll have a total of 13 official public holidays, beginning with New Year’s Day on January 1 and concluding with the UAE National Day holidays on December 2 and 3.

Here’s a detailed look at each holiday:

New Year’s Day

In 2024, New Year’s Day falls on Monday, January 1. It’s the perfect start to the year, offering a day full of fun and celebration with loved ones.

Eid Al Fitr

The first long public holiday of the year 2024 in the UAE is for Eid Al Fitr. This holiday spans four days, from Tuesday, April 9 to Friday, April 12, corresponding to the Islamic months of Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3.

Day of Arafat

The Day of Arafat, a significant Islamic holy day, is expected to be observed on Saturday, June 15. This day falls on the 9th of Dhu Al-Hijjah.

Eid Al Adha

Following the Day of Arafat, Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is celebrated. This holiday commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), as an act of obedience to God. In 2024, the expected dates for Eid Al Adha are Sunday, June 16 to Tuesday, June 18.

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It is expected to fall on Sunday, July 7 in 2024.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday

The UAE observes a public holiday to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the 12th of Rabiʽ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. In 2024, this holiday is expected to be on Sunday, September 15.

Commemoration Day

Commemoration Day, formerly known as Martyrs’ Day, is dedicated to honoring the Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. In 2024, this holiday will be observed on Sunday, December 1.

UAE National Day

Following Commemoration Day, the UAE celebrates its National Day on December 2 and 3, which fall on Monday and Tuesday in 2024. This holiday marks the conclusion of the public holidays for the year, offering another long weekend.

Note: Some of these dates may change depending on moon sightings in the UAE, so consider this when making your holiday plans.

UAE Public Holidays List – 2024

Date Day Holiday Name Islamic Month
January 1 Monday New Year’s Day –
April 9 – 12 Tuesday – Friday Eid Al Fitr Ramadan 29 – Shawwal 3
June 15 Saturday Day of Arafat Dhu Al-Hijjah 9
June 16 – 18 Sunday – Tuesday Eid Al Adha Dhu Al-Hijjah 10, 11 & 12
July 7 Sunday Islamic New Year Muharram 1
September 15 Sunday Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday Rabiʽ al-Awwal 12
December 1 Sunday Commemoration Day –
December 2 & 3 Monday & Tuesday UAE National Day –

School UAE Public Holidays 2023-2024

Date Status
Aug 28, 2023 Beginning of the academic year
Dec 11, 2023 – Jan 1, 2024 Winter vacation for students
Mar 25 – Apr 14, 2024 Spring vacation for students*
Jun 28, 2024 End of the academic year

*International Curriculum Schools have the option to extend the Spring Break by up to one week.

Dubai Private Schools (Starting in April)

Date Status
Apr 3, 2023 Start of the academic year
Jul 3, 2023 Summer break begins
Aug 28, 2023 Return from summer break
Dec 11, 2023 Winter break begins
Jan 2, 2024 Return from winter break
Mar 1-31, 2024 End of the academic year*

*End of the academic year may vary based on individual school policies.

Dubai Public and Private Schools (Ministry of Education Curriculum)

Date Status
Aug 26, 2024 Beginning of the academic year
Dec 16, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025 Winter vacation
Mar 24 – Apr 13, 2025 Spring vacation
182 Number of school days

Things to Do on Public and Private Holidays in Dubai

Dubai offers plenty of activities to enjoy during public and private holidays:

  • Explore iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah.
  • Relax at Jumeirah Beach or Kite Beach.
  • Spend the day at theme parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure or Dubai Parks and Resorts.
  • Indulge in shopping at traditional souks or modern malls like Mall of the Emirates.
  • Immerse yourself in Emirati culture at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.
  • Treat yourself to world-class dining experiences.
  • Embark on a desert safari for an authentic Bedouin experience.
  • Enjoy water sports at Dubai Marina or JBR Beach.
  • Unwind at luxury spas or enjoy a leisurely brunch at one of Dubai’s top hotels.
  • Attend concerts, shows, or sporting events across the city.

Conclusion

Public and private holidays in the UAE offer numerous opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment, especially during long weekends. While many holidays have set dates, Islamic holidays may vary depending on moon sightings.

FAQs Related to Public Holidays in Dubai

When are the public holidays in Dubai?

Public holidays in Dubai typically include New Year’s Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and National Day on December 2nd.

Are Islamic holidays considered public holidays in Dubai?

Yes, Islamic holidays such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are recognized as public holidays in Dubai.

Do private companies in Dubai observe public holidays?

Yes, private companies in Dubai usually observe public holidays, providing employees with time off.

How are public holidays determined in Dubai?

Public holidays in Dubai are generally set by the government and include both fixed-date holidays and those based on the Islamic lunar calendar.

Are private sector employees entitled to public holiday benefits in Dubai?

Yes, private sector employees in Dubai are generally entitled to benefits such as paid time off or additional compensation for working on holidays.