Below is a list of the upcoming UAE public holidays in 2023. This list will help ease the stress of travel plans and let you book your flights ahead of the busy flying period. The list of public holidays in 2023 has been approved by the UAE Cabinet.
Eid Al Fitr – April 20-23 (TBD)
Following Ramadan, Eid al Fitr marks the UAE’s first public holiday in 2023. . In 2023, Eid Al Fitr is from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. On the Gregorian calendar, these dates correspond to Thursday, April 20 to Sunday, April 23, although this could change on the sighting of the moon. If the moon doesn’t change, it looks like the UAE will have a four-day weekend.
Arafat Day – June 27 (TBC)
Arafat Day, the second day of the week-long Hajj pilgrimage and one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar is set to take place on June 27, although it is often celebrated a few days after as well.
Eid Al Adha – June 28 to 30 (TBC)
The day following Arafat Day is the start of Eid Al Adha, the larger of the two Islamic holidays. Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12, which is estimated to correspond to June 28 to 30, 2023, is expected to be the date of this celebration. However, the actual date depends on the sighting of the moon. With both Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, a long six-day weekend could be enjoyed by those who typically have a two-day weekend.
Eid Al Adha is a celebration of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as instructed by God. The story goes that after being informed of the dream, Prophet Ibrahim told his son, who then told his father to follow the order. However, God intervened and sent a sheep to take the place of the son. This holiday holds great significance in Islam and is observed to honour this act of sacrifice and obedience to God.
Hijri New Year – July 21
Hijri New Year is a holiday that marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year. It is also known as Islamic New Year. In 2023, it falls on Friday, July 21, meaning a three-day weekend for those in the UAE.
Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi – September 29
Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi is the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), in Islam. It is also known as the Prophet’s birthday and is observed annually by Muslims as a religious holiday. The fact that this holiday falls on a Friday means another long weekend at the end of September.
Commemoration Day and UAE National Day – December 1-3
Commemoration Day (also known as Martyrs’ Day), is marked annually on December 1.
UAE celebrates National Day which falls on December 2 and 3, which is a Saturday and Sunday, the last three-day weekend of 2023.
UAE National Day is a public holiday in the United Arab Emirates that marks the country’s independence and formation as a federation on December 2nd, 1971. It is celebrated with patriotic events, parades, concerts, and other festivities throughout the country, including flag-waving, fireworks displays, and traditional dance performances. The holiday is seen as a time to celebrate the unity and progress of the UAE, as well as its rich cultural heritage.
