UAE public holidays in 2023: 14 dates to save now

 The first public holiday of 2023 comes straight away, on New Year’s Day.

This year, it falls on a Sunday.

There will be a further 13 public holidays after this.

The first of which will be for Eid al-Fitr, expected to fall on April 20, 21, 22 and 23.

It marks the beginning of the Islamic month Shawwal and the first day after the month-long fasting and prayer during Ramadan.

The days concerned are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Saturday – meaning a four-day weekend could be in store.

Next in line comes Arafat Day, the second day of the week-long Hajj pilgrimage, set to take place on June 27.

Arafat Day is directly followed by Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice.

Known as one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar, it is expected to be celebrated on June 28, 29 and 30.

This means there could be four consecutive public holidays at the end of June: from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30.

It potentially leaves the door open to a seven-day break if you factor in the weekend of July 1-2.

Confirmed dates for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha will only be announced in Dubai according to relevant moon sightings, but it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead.

July 19 will see a public holiday to mark Islamic New Year, falling on the first day of the month Muharram – the first of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday follows that, with a public holiday on September 27.

And finally, 2023’s public holidays will come to their conclusion in December.

Commemoration Day falls on Friday December 1, followed by National Day on Saturday December 2 and a further holiday for National Day on Sunday December 3.

UAE public holidays in 2023: List in full

New Year’s Day, January 1

Eid al-Fitr: April 20, 21, 22 and 23

Arafat Day: June 27

Eid al-Adha: June 28, 29, 30

Islamic New Year: July 19

The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 27

Commemoration Day: December 1

National Day: December 2, 3