A list of the public and national holidays in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the year 2023. Please note that holiday dates are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to double-check with official sources or the UAE government for the most up-to-date information. Here are the public and national holidays in the UAE for 2023:
Holiday | Day | Date |
New Year’s Day | Sunday | 1st January |
Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Thursday | 20 April |
Eid al-Fitr | Friday | 21 April |
Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Saturday | 22 April |
Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Sunday | 23 april |
Arafat Day | Tuesday | 27 June |
Eid al-Adha | Wednesday | 28 June |
Eid al-Adha Holiday | Thursday | 29 June |
Eid al-Adha Holiday | Friday | 30 June |
Hijri New Year | Friday | 21 July |
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Friday | 29 September |
Commemoration Day | Friday | 1st december |
National Day | Saturday | 2nd December |
National Day Holiday | Sunday | 3rd December |
Details of Important Holidays in UAE in 2023
Eid al-Fitr
It is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The festival of Eid al-Fitr is a time of joy, gratitude, and celebration for completing the month of fasting.
Arafat Day
Arafat, also known as the Day of Arafah or Arafah Day, is a significant day in the Islamic calendar. It falls on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the month of pilgrimage (Hajj). Arafat is a key component of the Hajj pilgrimage and holds great importance for Muslims around the world.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid ul-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, is a major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims around the world. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The festival also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
Hijri New Year
Hijri New Year, also known as Islamic New Year or the Hijri calendar, marks the beginning of the new Islamic year. The Islamic calendar, also called the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar based on the lunar cycles. The starting point of the Islamic calendar is the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina in the year 622 CE.
National Day
The UAE National Day is a time for Emiratis and residents to reflect on the country’s progress, development, and achievements since its formation. It is an opportunity to express gratitude for the visionary leadership and unity that have contributed to the growth and success of the nation.