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The United Arab Emirates (UAE), known as a diverse and vibrant country, is full of rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and a thriving economy. Along with UAE’s rich culture comes an array of public holidays, which offer a glimpse into the nation’s history, traditions, and values. With that said, let’s take a look and explore the rest of UAE’s public holidays this year, as well as all of next year’s.

1. New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024

The year kicks off with New Year’s Day, a global celebration that marks the beginning of a new year. In the UAE, it’s an occasion for people to come together with family and friends, attend grand fireworks displays, and reflect on the past year while setting resolutions for the year ahead. Many hotels and entertainment venues host special events, ensuring that residents and visitors can usher in the new year in style. 

2. Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr – March 10 – April 8, 2024

Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in Islam, and it is observed with fasting, prayer, and reflection. The exact dates of Ramadan depend on the lunar calendar, and in 2024, it will span from around March 10 to April 8. The UAE comes alive during Ramadan with special Iftar and Suhoor gatherings, traditional festivities, and a sense of community. Eid al-Fitr, which follows Ramadan, is a grand celebration marked by feasts and prayers, bringing families and friends together.

3. Day of Arafat – June 15, 2024

The Day of Arafah is an Islamic holiday that falls on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic Calendar. It is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and is followed by the holiday of Eid al-Adha. The day of Arafat is a day of fasting and reflection for Muslims worldwide. 

4. Eid al-Adha – June 16, 2024

Eid al-Adha, which translates to the “Festival of Sacrifice”. It’s a time for Muslims to give thanks by slaughtering an animal and sharing the meat in three equal parts – for family, friends, and for the poor and in need.

This holiday signifies the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham, to sacrifice his son, Ismail, when God ordered him to. 

6. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) – September 15, 2024

Mawlid al-Nabi, the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a religious holiday in the UAE. It’s a time for Muslims to honor the prophet and learn more about his life and teachings.

7. Commemoration Day – December 1, 2024  

In the United Arab Emirates, Commemoration Day, formerly known as Martyrs’ Day, is a national holiday honoring the devotion and sacrifices made by Emirati martyrs who gave their lives while performing humanitarian, military, or civil service.

8. UAE National Day – December 2, 2024

UAE National Day is a day of pride and celebration in the country. It commemorates the unification of the seven emirates in 1971, marking the birth of the modern UAE. On this day, the streets are filled with flags, and residents participate in parades, concerts, and fireworks displays. It’s a time for the nation to come together and celebrate its unity. 

Amanee Hasan

Amanee Hasan is a Senior Content Writer at ZenHR, an award-winning and top-rated HR solution that offers world-class HR software services in the MENA region. Her main focuses are SEO, UX writing, copywriting, and creating content highlighting the latest HR trends, and gives organizations and individuals the tools they need to create successful work environments where people thrive.