List of holidays
Following is the list of public holidays applicable to both, public and private sectors.
- Gregorian New Year - 1 January
- Eid Al Fitr* - from 1 to 3 Shawwal (4 days)**
- Arafah Day* - 9 Thu Al Hijjah
- Eid Al Adha* (Feast of Sacrifice) - From 10 to 12 Thu Al Hijjah (3 days)
- Hijri New Year* (Islamic New Year) - 1 Muharram
- Prophet Mohammed's birthday* - 12 Rabi’ Awwal
- National Day - 2 and 3 December (2 days).
*Islamic holidays are determined according to moon sighting.
**If the month of Ramadan lasts 30 days, day 30 shall be deemed as an official holiday for Eid Al Fitr.
Note: According to Article 3 of Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 Concerning the Public Holidays in the State, the Public Holiday cannot be transferred to another day in the event it coincides with another public holiday or falls on the weekend.
Spirit of the Union
The UAE’s National Day falls on 2 December and marks its formal nationalisation and the start of the federal unification of the emirates in 1971. ‘Spirit of the Union’ is the official theme of the UAE’s National Day celebrations. It is derived from the vision and leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder President of the UAE. The theme is complemented with a logo that has silhouette of the iconic image of the first congregation of the Founding Fathers of the UAE, on 2 December 1971.
Updated on:
02 Jul 2026
