List of Public Holidays in UAE | عطلة رسمية 2024

Meanwhile, the UAE has always been one of the most popular country around the world. Additionally, over 90% of people in the United Arab Emirates practice Islam, which is the official religion. Furthermore, most عطلة رسمية public holidays in UAE are based on Islamic culture and tradition. 

The عطلة رسمية public holidays in UAE follows the Hijri calendar as the reference for determining important religious occasions such as Ramadan, Eid, and Hajj. Whether you are an employee planning for a vacation with family or an HR looking to set up company leave policies, our guide to UAE holidays 2024 will surely prove helpful to you.

Hence, understanding the schedule of عطلة رسمية public holidays in UAE 2024 is essential for effective holiday planning and business operations. So, stay updated with the list of عطلة رسمية public holidays in UAE 2024 to ensure smooth workflow and employee satisfaction. 

Additionally, with precise knowledge of عطلة رسمية public holidays in UAE 2024, you can optimize your business strategies and enhance organizational efficiency. Moreover, explore the significance of عطلة رسمية public holidays in UAE 2024 and plan ahead for a productive and harmonious year.

 

Date	Weekday	Holiday
January 1	Monday	New Year’s Day
February 7-8	Wednesday – Thursday	Israa & Miaraj Night
April 8- 11	Monday – Thursday	Eid Al Fitr
June 15	Saturday	Arafat Day
June 16-19	Sunday – Wednesday	Eid Al Adha
July 7	Sunday – Monday	Islamic New Year
September 15	Sunday	Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
November 30	Saturday	Commemoration Day
December 2	Monday	UAE National Day

Here are the details of عطلة رسمية Public Holidays in UAE 2024: 

 

• New Year’s Day (Jan 1) 

Moreover, the UAE Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratization has declared January 1 as a holiday.
January 1 is a عطلة رسمية public holiday in UAE 2024 for both private and public sector employees. However, this year the holidays fall on Sunday, so there is no additional day off for the employee. 

Therefore, the holiday is in line with the Cabinet decision of the UAE. In addition to the festivities, the UAE has scheduled fireworks for the entire country to celebrate the new year and fresh beginnings. In addition, individuals organize a variety of events such as live performances, concerts, and parties to celebrate this عطلة رسمية

 

• Leilat al-Meiraj –  The Prophet’s Ascension Day 

Firstly, an Islamic celebration known as Leilat al-Meiraj marks the night that Allah carried Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Jerusalem and ultimately to heaven. Furthermore, every year on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab, this holiday is celebrated in accordance with the Hijiri calendar. 

Additionally, the beloved Prophet is said to have started the well-known nighttime journey known as Israa and Miraj on the evening of the 27th. Hence, the day is observed as a عطلة رسمية

 

• Eid Al Fitr (April 8-11) 

The holy month of Ramadan comes to ends with the celebration of Eid Al Fitr. On this occasion, people attend communal prayers and give Zakat al-Fitr (food in the form of charity). From 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal 1443, the holiday is celebrated. 

In 2024, these dates correspond to April 8 to 11. So, the employees can enjoy the four-day عطلة رسمية national holiday in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr in order to do fasting as per their ritual. Moreover, the offices and schools will reopen from April 12. 

 

• Arafat Day (June 15)

Next, big عطلة رسمية public holiday is on the occasion of Arafat Day, which marks the second day of Hajj, or the pilgrimage. Furthermore, Arafat takes place roughly 70 days after Ramadan ends and marks a long weekend’s start. 

The Arafat عطلة رسمية took place on Tuesday, June 15–16, 2024. It marks a day of unity, spiritual reflection and supplication. Arafat is a mountain located near the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. 

• Eid Al Adha (June 16) 

Eid Al Adha is celebrated after Arafat Day, marking the conclusion of the pilgrimage to Mecca. However, it is one of the two holiest عطلة رسمية celebrated in Islam. In addition, people sacrifice animals on this day as part of the Feast of Sacrifice. Furthermore, the family eats one-third of the meat, and they donate the rest to the less fortunate.

The Eid Al Adha عطلة رسمية holiday falls on the Hijri calendar and dates Dhuj Hijjah 10 to 12, which corresponds to Wednesday, June 16 to 19. Paired with the Arafat Day holiday, employees with Saturday off can enjoy a six-day long weekend holiday.

Moreover, the private sector in the UAE considers the four-day عطلة رسمية a paid holiday. At last, the decision was based on the Cabinet regarding all the national or public holidays in UAE.

• Hijri New Year (July 7)

Next, Hijri New Year marks the beginning of the new Islamic year 1445. Meanwhile, it falls on Friday, July 7, 2024, so if you have Saturday off, you can get a three-day long weekend. The official عطلة رسمية holiday for Islamic year will be on July 7, confirmed by MOHRE. 

Hirji on New Year marks the day on which the Prophet migrated from Makkah to Madinah and is on July 19. The Islamic Calendar is lunar, that’s why it does not correspond with the Gregorian calendar.

 

• Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday (Sept 15) 

People celebrate the Prophet Mohammad’s birthday on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal. In the United Arab Emirates, this day is a national holiday عطلة رسمية.

In 2024, it falls on September 15, so employees with Saturday off can get 3-day holidays. Commonly known as “Milad un Nabi” it is observed as a عطلة رسمية public holiday in most of the countries as it marks the anniversary of the birth of the founder of Islam and proclaimer of the Quran.

Moreover, the date of this festival may vary every year as Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. Lastly, the calendar of Islam is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian Calendar.

 

• Commemoration Day (December 1)

Finally, the عطلة رسمية public holidays in UAE ends in December, with Commemoration day and National day falling on December 1.

On December 1, Commemoration Day is a عطلة رسمية public holidays in UAE 2024 to salute the martyrdom of Emirates heroes who lost their lives defending the nation’s sovereignty.

People mainly celebrate this festival to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in war. The day honors sacrifices of all the heroes including the first Emirati martyr, Salem Suhail bin Khamis who gave up his life during the Greater Tunb, fighting Iran forces.

 

• UAE National Day (December 2)

After Commemoration Day, UAE celebrates National Day on December 2 and 3 as a عطلة رسمية. The declaration was made in 1968, and it also coincides with the anniversary of the federal unification of six emirates. 

Moreover, on this day, the nation celebrates its independence from the British by hosting a number of cultural festivals and dances. Consequently, people commonly organize fireworks and dance shows on this day.