UAE public holidays 2023: Up to three long weekends ahead

Hijri New Year, the Prophet Mohammed's birthday and National Day to come

Dignitaries and citizens attend the 45th UAE National Day celebrations held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in 2016. Photo: Crown Prince Court — Abu Dhabi

Fireworks at La Mer in Dubai mark the UAE's 48th National Day in 2019. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Visitors flock to Ras Al Khaimah's Eid Al Adha fair at RAK Exhibition Centre in 2019. Reem Mohammed / The National

Shoppers head to Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, on the first day of Eid, in May 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National

Beachgoers at Kite Beach in Dubai, during the Eid Al Adha public holiday in August 2020. Reem Mohammed / The National

Rollerbladers at Masdar Park in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, during the Eid Al Fitr break in May 2020. Victor Besa / The National

Festive lights illuminate the Corniche in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Eid Al Adha. Victor Besa / The National

Shoppers at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, on the last day of Eid Al Adha, in August 2020. Victor Besa /The National

Decorative lights illuminate the Corniche in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Hijri New Year, in August 2020. Victor Besa / The National

UAE residents can expect some significant differences in the holiday dates in 2023 – including some extra-long weekends.

After Eid Al Adha, the UAE has two main holidays for the year remaining – Hijri New Year and National Day, which includes Commemoration Day.

Eid Al Adha began on Wednesday, June 28, two days after the start of Hajj with Arafat Day falling on Tuesday, June 27.

Both public and private sector workers were able to enjoy an extra long Eid Al Adha break this year, with staff granted paid leave from Tuesday, June 27 until Friday, June 30. It meant many were able to enjoy six days off, with the weekend falling immediately after the festival.

Eid Al Adha is the second of the two Eids which take place during the year, after Eid Al Fitr which started on Friday, April 21. Employees enjoyed a four-day break for the religious festival from Thursday, April 20 and returning to work on Monday, April 24.

While some of the longest breaks have already taken place this year, residents can still enjoy some time off and long weekends in 2023, with Hijri New Year, the Prophet Mohammed's birthday and National Day yet to come.

All three dates are expected to be marked with long weekends.

In November last year, the UAE Cabinet confirmed the dates of the Emirates' holidays for public and private sectors.

The government announced in 2019 that private sector workers would have the same number of holidays as government employees.

At the time, it said the alignment aimed to achieve balance between the two sectors and support the national economy. Previously, public sector employees had more days off than private companies.

Three long weekends

The longest break in 2023 has just taken place, with many enjoying time off for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha.

The public holiday to mark Hijri New Year – Islamic New Year – falls on Wednesday July 19, which may mean another long weekend.

The Prophet Mohammed's birthday falls on Friday September 29, which also give residents a long weekend.

The holiday for National Day falls on Saturday December 2 and Sunday December 3, with the likelihood of another long weekend in store.

Remaining holidays for 2023

July 19: Islamic New Year

September 29: Prophet Mohammed’s birthday

December 2 and 3: UAE National Day