The UAE Cabinet has unveiled the list of public holidays for 2024, promising residents a total of 13 opportunities for well-deserved breaks. This includes four occasions that will result in extended weekends, with the most notable being a six-day break.
Annual Leaves and Travel Trends
In addition to public holidays, employees can also benefit from 30 annual leaves in a year. Recent travel surveys have indicated that many expatriates in the UAE utilize their annual leaves for trips to their home countries. Public holidays, especially those offering extended weekends, are often earmarked for vacations worldwide or relaxing staycations.
Islamic Calendar Dates for 2024
The announced dates, predominantly following the Islamic calendar, have been designed to assist in better planning for the year 2024. The Hijri calendar, available on the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) website, has been used to calculate the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates.
Hijri Calendar and Public Announcements
Given that Hijri calendar months last 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent Moon, the actual dates for holidays will be officially announced closer to the occasion by relevant authorities. However, the following list gives you an idea of what to expect for next year.
UAE Public Holidays for 2024
The following list highlights all the public holidays in the United Arab Emirates in 2024:
- Happy New Year (3-Day Weekend)
- Eid Al Fitr (6-Day Break)
- Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha (5-Day Celebration)
- Islamic New Year (1-Day Off)
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday (1-Day Off)
- National Day (4-Day Weekend)
Happy New Year: A Refreshing Start with a 3-Day Weekend
UAE residents will kick off 2024 with a generous three-day weekend, thanks to the New Year’s Day falling on a Monday. This allows for a full day of rest after ringing in the new year on New Year’s Eve.
Eid Al Fitr: A Luxurious 6-Day Break
Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is anticipated to provide a substantial break, spanning from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. Depending on the duration of the month, this could result in a four or five-day break, including the weekend.
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha: A 5-Day Celebration
Arafah Day, the holiest day in Islam, falls on Dhul Hijjah 9, followed by the three-day celebration of Eid Al Adha. With corresponding Gregorian calendar dates ranging from Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19, and including the preceding Saturday-Sunday weekend, this celebration offers a five-day break.
Islamic New Year: A Brief 1-Day Holiday
The second new year of 2024 arrives in July with Muharram 1, marking the first day of the Hijri year. Although it only grants a single day off, it provides a well-deserved break for those without a Sunday weekend.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: 1-Day Off
The celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, expected on Rabi Al Awwal 12, awaits an official announcement for its corresponding Gregorian calendar date.
National Day: A Grand 4-Day Finale
The year concludes with a substantial holiday period. Falling on Monday and Tuesday, December 2 and 3, and combined with the preceding Saturday-Sunday weekend, the National Day celebration offers a luxurious four-day break.
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