UAE residents can look forward to a generous dose of leisure time in 2024, with the announcement of at least 13 public holidays by the country’s Cabinet. The schedule includes four extended weekends, with the longest break spanning six days.
Calendar of Public Holidays
- Happy New Year: 3-Day Weekend
- Date: January 1
- Details: The first official holiday of the year falls on a Monday, offering residents a delightful three-day weekend to kickstart 2024.
- Eid Al Fitr: 6-Day Break
- Date: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Gregorian calendar dates are: Tuesday, April 9, till Friday, April 12.)
- Details: Marking the end of Ramadan, this Islamic festival provides a substantial break of about six days, incorporating the regular Saturday-Sunday weekend.
- Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha: 5 Days Off
- Date: Dhul Hijjah 9 to the third day of Eid Al Adha (Gregorian calendar dates are: Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19. Including the weekend (Saturday, June 15)
- Details: Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha create a combined holiday period of five days, including the weekend.
- Islamic New Year: 1-Day Holiday
- Date: Muharram 1
- Details: Falling on Sunday, July 7, this one-day holiday marks the second new year of 2024, providing a day off for those without a Sunday weekend.
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
- Date: Rabi Al Awwal 12
- Details: The exact Gregorian date is not immediately clear, but it is observed on this Islamic month.
- National Day: 4-Day Holiday
- Date: December 2 and 3
- Details: The year concludes with a lengthy holiday period, encompassing December 2 and 3 (Monday and Tuesday). Combined with the regular weekend, this creates a four-day holiday.
The 2024 public holiday calendar promises ample opportunities for residents to plan vacations or enjoy staycations. With four extended weekends, UAE residents have the chance to make the most of their leisure time throughout the year.
