There are 14 public holidays in the United Arab Emirates in 2023, five of which fall on Friday and Saturday.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Eid al-Fitr
This is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide celebrating the end of a month of fasting. The holiday falls on the first day of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The holiday lasts four days from April 20 to April 23, 2023.
Arafat Day
Arafat Day is the holiest day in the Islamic calendar and it is observed on Jun 27, 2023, the day before Eid al-Adha. Arafat Day commemorates Muhammad's Farewell Sermon and the completion of the message of Islam.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, is an important Muslim festival. The holiday lasts three days from June 28 to June 30, 2023, and it honors the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.
Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year, and it is observed on the first day of the month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It falls on July 21, 2023.
Prophet's Birthday
The holiday, observed on September 29, 2023, commemorates the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, an Arab religious and political leader and the founder of Islam. Muhammad was born around 570 AD in Mecca and was a deeply spiritual man spending time in meditation.
Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day, observed on December 1, 2023, recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of Emirati martyrs who have given their lives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and abroad in civil, military, and humanitarian service.
National Day
National Day, observed on December 2 and December 3, 2023, commemorates when the Federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was founded. On December 2, 1971, the six emirates Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Fujairah agreed to unite as one country.
The following is the list of public holidays in the United Arab Emirates in 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 20, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Apr 21, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 22, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 23, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Arafat Day | Jun 27, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 28, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 29, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 30, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Islamic New Year | Jul 21, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Prophet's Birthday | Sep 29, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Commemoration Day | Dec 01, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| National Day | Dec 02, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| National Day Holiday | Dec 03, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in the United Arab Emirates in 2023.
