A view of Dubai's skyline. Courtesy Zero Gravity
A view of Dubai's skyline. Courtesy Zero Gravity
A view of Dubai's skyline. Courtesy Zero Gravity
A view of Dubai's skyline. Courtesy Zero Gravity

UAE public holidays: when is the next long weekend?


Kelly Clarke
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As people across the UAE enjoy the four-day Eid Al Adha break, many are already planning what to do for the next public holiday.

So when is the next holiday in the UAE?

The good news is we have less than a month to wait for the next national holiday.

On August 12, people can expect another day off for Hijri New Year. The holiday falls on a Thursday, which means another long weekend.

Also referred to as the Islamic New Year, the day marks the beginning of a new lunar year.

Following the Hijri New Year, the next public holiday is expected to fall about two months later.

  • Eid Al Adha lights glow along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi.
    Eid Al Adha lights glow along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi.
  • Eid Al Adha lights decorate the Corniche.
    Eid Al Adha lights decorate the Corniche.
  • The Corniche in Abu Dhabi glows with the light from Eid Al Adha illuminations.
    The Corniche in Abu Dhabi glows with the light from Eid Al Adha illuminations.
  • Motorists drive past Eid Al Adha lights along the Corniche.
    Motorists drive past Eid Al Adha lights along the Corniche.
  • Eid Al Adha lights illuminate the Corniche in Abu Dhabi.
    Eid Al Adha lights illuminate the Corniche in Abu Dhabi.
  • Lulu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi's Khalidiyah Mall gets ready for Eid Al Adha shoppers.
    Lulu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi's Khalidiyah Mall gets ready for Eid Al Adha shoppers.
  • Eid Al Adha shoppers at Lulu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi.
    Eid Al Adha shoppers at Lulu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi.
  • Eid Al Adha shoppers hunt for bargains at Lulu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi's Khalidiyah Mall.
    Eid Al Adha shoppers hunt for bargains at Lulu Hypermarket in Abu Dhabi's Khalidiyah Mall.
  • Young Eid Al Adha shoppers at Lulu Hypermarket in Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi.
    Young Eid Al Adha shoppers at Lulu Hypermarket in Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi.
  • A baker prepares some Eid Al Adha sweets in Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi.
    A baker prepares some Eid Al Adha sweets in Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi.
  • Some young Eid Al Adha shoppers in Abu Dhabi.
    Some young Eid Al Adha shoppers in Abu Dhabi.
  • Eid Al Adha shoppers at Lulu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi.
    Eid Al Adha shoppers at Lulu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi.
  • Shopping in Dubai's Mall of The Emirates the day before Eid al Adha.
    Shopping in Dubai's Mall of The Emirates the day before Eid al Adha.
  • Shoppers hunt for bargains in Dubai's Mall of The Emirates the day before Eid al Adha.
    Shoppers hunt for bargains in Dubai's Mall of The Emirates the day before Eid al Adha.
  • Shopping in Dubai's Mall of The Emirates the day before Eid al Adha.
    Shopping in Dubai's Mall of The Emirates the day before Eid al Adha.

Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday

People across the country will likely get one working day off on October 21, for Prophet Mohammed's Birthday. It is due to fall on a Thursday, which again could mean the chance to enjoy another long weekend.

Commemoration Day and UAE National Day

For those hoping for a public holiday in November, there is no such luck. There are, however, a few days off in December.

Commemoration Day is marked on December 1 in memory of Emirati martyrs.

The public holiday, previously known as Martyrs' Day, was initially observed on November 30 but was formally moved to December 1 in 2019.

Commemoration Day falls on a Wednesday this year and will be combined with UAE National Day, which takes place on Thursday, December 2 and Friday, December 3.

With these two public holidays, people across all seven Emirates will wrap up the end of the year with a four-day weekend.

Updated: August 04, 2021, 7:17 AM