Guide About Public and Private Holidays in Dubai

Lily Olivia
April 8, 2024

Understanding which days off are given by the UAE government and companies is important when you’re making plans for the year. Some holidays always fall on the same date as Dubai public holidays 2023, but others can change from year to year. Emirate holidays 2024 depends on things like when the new moon is seen or because they follow a different calendar. This guide will explain all the UAE public holidays 2024.

UAE Public and Private Holiday in UAE 2024

Here’s a table summarizing Public Holidays and School UAE Holidays 2024:

Date	Weekday	Holiday

Jan 1	Mon	New Year’s Day
Feb 7	Wed	Leilat al-Meiraj
Mar 11	Mon	Ramadan Begins
Apr 3-12	Mon-Fri	Eid-al-Fitr
Jun 15	Sat	Arafat (Haj) Day
Jun 16-18	Sun-Tue	Eid-al-Adha
Jul 7	Sun	Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
Sep 15	Sun	Mouloud
Dec 1	Sun	Commemoration Day
Dec 2-3	Mon-Tue	National Day

And here’s a table summarizing School UAE Public Holidays 2023:

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

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

Additionally, for 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
March 1-31, 2024	End of the academic year*

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

And for Dubai Public and Private Schools following the Ministry of Education Curriculum and UAE school holidays 2024/2025:

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

Detail of Public and Public Holidays 2024 in Dubai

Here’s a detailed look at the public and private 2024 UAE holidays:

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024

This holiday marks the start of the new year and falls on a Monday in 2024. It’s a day off for everyone, providing a perfect opportunity for a 3-day weekend. You can plan exciting activities like visiting Dubai Parks and Resorts or exploring the Global Village.

Al Isra’a Wal Miraj – Ascension Day

This Islamic holiday is observed annually on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab in the Hijri calendar. It commemorates the night when Allah took Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on a journey from Makkah to Jerusalem, and then to heaven.

Ramadan – Begins March 11, 2024

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. Its start date is determined by the sighting of the moon, usually following the 29th or 30th day of Shaaban. Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan as a month of fasting to honor the first revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Eid Al Fitr – March 7th to March 14th, 2024

Eid Al Fitr 2024 holidays last for 4 days at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. According to the Hijri Calendar, Eid holidays UAE expected to be from March 7th to March 14th, 2024. During Eid, both private and government sectors in the UAE observe holidays. It’s an excellent time for families to come together and enjoy attractions like Ferrari World and Warner Brothers World in the UAE.

Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha – June 27, 2024

This holiday marks the end of the Islamic pilgrimage season known as Hajj. It falls on June 27, 2024, which is a Tuesday. According to the Hijri Calendar, it spans from the 9th to the 12th of Dhu al Hijjah 1445. Eid holidays 2024 is a 4-day holiday where both private and government sectors observe time off.

Hijri New Year – July 7, 2024

The UAE celebrates the Islamic New Year on July 7, 2024, which corresponds to 1 Muharram 1446 AH, falling on a Sunday. Some jobs may require working on public holidays in the UAE, which should be planned with your employer.

Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday – September 29, 2024

The birthday of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) falls on the 12th of Rabi’ Awwal 1446 AH, which is September 29, 2024, a Sunday. Federal Government employees are given this day off by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.

Commemoration Day – December 1, 2024

Commemoration Day, also known as Martyrs’ Day, is observed in the UAE on November 30 every year. It honors the Emirati heroes who sacrificed their lives defending the nation’s sovereignty and values.

UAE National Day Public Holiday – December 2 and 3, 2024

UAE National Day celebrations take place across all emirates. To allow residents and visitors to enjoy the festivities, a 2-day public holiday is declared. Activities include attending firework shows and displays held in various locations throughout the Emirates.

Things To Do on Public and Private Holidays in Dubai

There are plenty of things to do on public and private holidays in Dubai:

Explore iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah.
Enjoy the sun and sand 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 retail therapy at traditional souks or modern malls like Mall of the Emirates.
Immerse yourself in Emirati culture at heritage sites like Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.
Treat yourself to a culinary adventure at world-class restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
Embark on a desert safari for dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Bedouin experiences.
Try water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, or kayaking at Dubai Marina or JBR Beach.
Unwind at luxury spas or indulge in a leisurely brunch at one of Dubai’s many hotels.
Attend concerts, shows, or sporting events happening across the city.

Conclusion

Public and private holidays in UAE differ throughout the year. While many have set dates, Islamic holidays are exceptions, being determined by moon sightings. These holidays offer opportunities for various activities, especially those falling on Mondays, providing extended weekends for relaxation and enjoyment.

FAQs Related to Blog

When are the public holidays in Dubai?

Public holidays in Dubai vary but often 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 often observe public holidays, granting employees time off.

How are public holidays determined in Dubai?

Public holidays in Dubai are typically determined by the government. It includes both fixed-date holidays and those based on Islamic lunar calendar sightings.

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

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

Lily Olivia

I am a seasoned SEO and digital marketing strategist known for accelerating website traffic growth and driving revenue for SaaS and eCommerce businesses. With expertise in SEO training and execution, I have empowered over 100+ companies by providing tailored SEO solutions that deliver sustainable results. My leadership focuses on strategic content development, optimizing search rankings, and enhancing user engagement to achieve measurable business growth.

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