Are you planning to visit the United Arab Emirates? If yes, you must know about the holidays observed in the country. Here is what you need to know!

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Important U.A.E. holidays to keep in mind

Thanks to its booming socio-economic development, the United Arab Emirates is one of the most visited countries in Asia. Millions of tourists travel to metropolises like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, for vacations and family trips.

That’s why it is crucial to familiarize yourself with important dates and holidays in the U.A.E. The purpose is to streamline the trip’s planning process and ensure everything goes smoothly. Read on!

1. New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day is the first holiday in the United Arab Emirates. However, the government has a strict policy regarding the holiday, meaning U.A.E. celebrates the New Year on the weekend.

For instance, the government announced the New Year’s public holiday would be celebrated on January 2, 2022. The purpose was to start the working week on Monday, January 3, 2022.

2. Eid Al Fitr

Eid Al Fitr is the most celebrated public holiday in the U.A.E. Muslims all over the U.A.E. celebrate this holiday after the month of Ramadhan. Because the Eid date is decided based on the moon sighting, Eid Al Fitr is expected to start at April’s end in 2022.

The U.A.E. has declared three holidays for the public when the Shawwal starts. Many people living in the U.A.E. enjoy the holidays by planning outdoor trips and picnics. There are plenty of outdoor attractions in the U.A.E. to celebrate the three-day holidays.

3. Arafat Holiday

Arafat Day is another public holiday in the U.A.E. People living in the U.A.E., particularly Muslims, celebrate this holiday before Eid Al Adha. Arafat Day marks the Hajj’s second day for Muslims and is an integral part of the pilgrimage to Makkah.

4. Eid Al Adha

Eid Al Adha is another major holiday in the U.A.E. after Eid Al Fitr. Because Eid Al Adha is based on the moon sighting ten days before the Hajj, the date in the solar calendar for the festival varies. It is expected that Muslims in the U.A.E. will celebrate Eid Al Adha on 10^th or 12^th July 2022. Eid Al Adha reminds Muslims of the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham (Peace be upon him).

5. Islamic New Year

Islamic New Year is another public holiday in the U.A.E. starting from 1^st Muharram. Bear in mind that Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Hijri Calendar and is based on moon sightings.

It means there is no specific date in the solar calendar for Muharram or Islamic New Year holiday. However, the government of the U.A.E. has decided to celebrate this holiday on July 31, 2022.

6. 12th Rabi Al Awwal

12^th Rabi Al Awwal is another public holiday in the U.A.E. celebrated by Muslims. The holiday is about celebrating the birth of Khatam an-Nabiyyin (Seal of Prophets) Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him).

Muslims across the U.A.E. give charity, exchange gifts, and pay tribute to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). However, this practice of exchanging gifts is more common among the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.

7. Commemoration Day

Commemoration Day reminds the residents of the U.A.E. of the sacrifice of Emirati Martyrs. The government and residents of the United Arab Emirates celebrate this holiday to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the martyrs. The holiday will fall on December 1, 2022.

Final Words

U.A.E. is the land of honorable and brave people with a rich culture, history, and Islamic background. The country celebrates several holidays throughout the year, including the most famous Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.

People living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and other areas plan to celebrate each holiday according to the traditions. So, if you are a local or foreigner, make sure you know about these public holidays in the U.A.E.

The purpose is to streamline your plans and schedules, especially if you travel to the country on dates that fall around one of these holidays. Lastly, visiting our blog is an excellent way to learn more about the U.A.E. Until Next Time!