The UAE Cabinet has approved the official holidays calendar for government and private sectors for the year 2024. The calendar includes 13 public holidays, including two major Islamic festivals, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
New Year’s Day
The first holiday of the year is New Year’s Day, which is celebrated on Monday, January 1, 2024. New Year’s Day is a time for celebrating new beginnings and fresh starts. It is a popular time for people to set goals for the year ahead.
Eid al-Fitr : Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3
The next major holiday is Eid al-Fitr, which is expected to fall on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Eid al-Fitr is a three-day celebration that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time for Muslims to celebrate with family and friends, and to give thanks for God’s blessings.
Arafat Day : 9 Dhul Al Hijjah
Arafat Day is a day of reflection and prayer for Muslims. It is celebrated on Saturday, June 15, 2024, and is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage. On Arafat Day, Muslims gather at the Plain of Arafat to pray for forgiveness and guidance.
Eid al-Adha:10 to 12 Dhul Al Hijjah
Eid al-Adha is another major Islamic holiday that is celebrated on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. It is a four-day celebration that is marked by feasting, giving gifts, and exchanging greetings.
Other Holidays
The other holidays in the UAE’s 2024 calendar include:
Hijri New Year – 1 Muharram : Sunday, July 7, 2024
Prophet’s Birthday – 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Commemoration Day: Sunday, December 1, 2024
UAE National Day: Monday, December 2, 2024
UAE National Day Holiday: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
#UAE_Cabinet approves official holidays calendar for government and private sectors for year 2024 pic.twitter.com/HHtIQawNy8
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) November 21, 2023
Planning for the Holidays
The UAE’s public holidays provide residents and visitors with a great opportunity to enjoy all that the country has to offer. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, explore the desert, or experience the vibrant cities, there is something for everyone in the UAE.
If you are planning a trip to the UAE in 2024, be sure to factor in the public holidays when making your arrangements. This will help you to avoid any potential travel disruptions and ensure that you have plenty of time to enjoy all that the UAE has to offer.
Image Credits: Author tnilsson.london is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.