Public Holidays in UAE 2023

If you’re planning an outing with loved ones or making travel plans for 2023, it will be helpful to have a list of upcoming UAE public holidays.

From New Year’s Day to UAE National Day, here are all the public holidays in UAE in 2023 for both the private and public sectors as approved by the UAE Cabinet.

New Year’s Day: January 1

Every year, January 1 is a public day off for the UAE for both the private and public sectors. January 1, 2023 is a Sunday. The first working day of the year will begin on Monday, January 2.

Eid Al Fitr: April 20 to 23 (TBC)

After Ramadan, it’s the first Eid holiday of the year – Eid al Fitr. 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 it’s still dependent on the sighting of the moon. If that is the case, we’ll likely have a four-day weekend

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.

Arafat Day: June 27 (TBC)

Arafat Day falls on Dhul Hijjah 9. It is the first day of Eid al Adha. This is expected to be on Tuesday, June 27.

Eid Al Adha: June 28 to 30 (TBC)

The day after Arafat Day marks the start of Eid Al Adha. It is the second and the larger of the two holidays celebrated in Islam. It falls on Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12, which is likely to correspond to Wednesday June 28 to Friday June 30m but is again dependent on the sighting of the moon. Paired with Arafat Day, we could have a long six-day weekend (for those of us who usually have a two-day weekend).

According to tradition, Eid Al Adha is held to honour Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, after being instructed to do so by God. Prophet Ibrahim told his son of the dream, and the son then told his father to follow the order. But God intervened, sending a sheep to take his son’s place.

Hijri New Year: Friday July 21

Hijri New Year marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year. In 2023, it falls on Friday, July 21, meaning a three-day weekend. It is also known as Islamic New Year.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday

Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi is listed on Friday September 29, 2023. This would mean another long weekend at the end of September, for those that have a typical Saturday-Sunday weekend.

Commemoration Day and UAE National Day (December 1-3)

Finally, the public holidays in UAE end in December, with Commemoration Day and National day falling on December 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

On December 1, Commemoration Day is a public holiday to salute the martyrdom of Emirates heroes who lost their lives defending the nation’s sovereignty.

After Commemoration Day, UAE celebrates National Day on December 2 and 3. On this day, the nation celebrates its independence from the British by hosting a number of cultural festivals and dances.

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