United Arab Emirates has officially announced its public holiday schedule for the year 2024, promising residents at least 13 days off and four long weekends. This announcement is set to provide ample opportunities for rest and recreation.
The list of holidays includes both fixed-date occasions and those determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. The latter’s dates are calculated using the Hijri calendar published on the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) website, with the understanding that months in the Islamic calendar can be either 29 or 30 days based on the sighting of the crescent moon.
UAE Announces 2024 Public Holidays
One of the most significant breaks will be during Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. The government has declared Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 as a public holiday translates to a potential six-day break from Tuesday, April 9, to Friday, April 12, 2024, inclusive of the weekend.
Another key holiday is Arafah Day followed by Eid Al Adha, which together offer a five-day hiatus from work from Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19, 2024, including the preceding Saturday.
Residents will also observe a one-day holiday for Islamic New Year on Sunday, July 7, 2024, and a four-day break for National Day from December 2 to December 3, 2024, extended by the weekend.
These holidays come in addition to the 30 annual leave days employees are entitled to, which many expatriates use to visit their home countries. Public holidays and long weekends are often earmarked for vacations or staycations, as revealed by multiple travel surveys.
The first official holiday of 2024 will be a three-day weekend starting on January 1, allowing residents to recover from New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, the date for Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday is yet to be clarified.
The UAE’s public holiday schedule is not only a time for relaxation but also an opportunity for economic activity, as many residents plan trips and leisure activities during these periods.
As the exact dates for some of the Islamic holidays will be confirmed closer to the time based on moon sightings, residents and travelers are advised to stay tuned for updates from relevant authorities.
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