• Ahmed Al-Humairi witnesses the Commemoration Day ceremony at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs in 2021. All photos: Wam
    Ahmed Al-Humairi witnesses the Commemoration Day ceremony at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs in 2021. All photos: Wam
  • The Ministry of Justice, Courts and Federal Prosecutions mark Commemoration Day in 2021.
    The Ministry of Justice, Courts and Federal Prosecutions mark Commemoration Day in 2021.
  • The Ministry of Interior celebrates the annual occasion.
    The Ministry of Interior celebrates the annual occasion.
  • Dubai Customs observes Commemoration Day.
    Dubai Customs observes Commemoration Day.
  • The Statistics Centre in Abu Dhabi on Commemoration Day.
    The Statistics Centre in Abu Dhabi on Commemoration Day.
  • Workers at Dubai Health mark the occasion.
    Workers at Dubai Health mark the occasion.
  • The Ministry of Defence celebrates Commemoration Day.
    The Ministry of Defence celebrates Commemoration Day.
  • The Judicial Department in Abu Dhabi marks Commemoration Day.
    The Judicial Department in Abu Dhabi marks Commemoration Day.
  • Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce marks the event.
    Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce marks the event.

UAE public holidays 2022: When is the next day off?


Patrick Ryan
  • English
  • Arabic

The next holiday in the UAE is just around the corner as the country prepares to mark both Commemoration Day, an annual event to remember those who lost their lives in the line of service, and National Day.

Commemoration Day officially falls on November 30, but it has been marked with a public holiday on the following day in recent years - and that is being repeated this year.

Private sector holidays for National Day were confirmed on Friday, and public sector holidays were confirmed on Thursday.

When is the next public holiday in 2022?

Employees in the public and private sectors will get a long weekend at the beginning of December.

Thursday, December 1, will be an official holiday to mark Commemoration Day, followed by National Day, on December 2.

These fall on a Friday and Saturday this year, and with Sunday off, employees will be back to work on Monday, December 5.

The official announcement on National Day holidays was made on Thursday.

How many public holidays are left this year?

Commemoration Day and National Day in December will be the last potential long weekend off.

Commemoration Day is held every year to recognise the dedication and sacrifices of the UAE’s military and civilian service people, and to honour those who lost their lives while serving the country.

In 2023, the first public holiday is likely to be in April for Eid Al Fitr, when residents can expect a four-day weekend.

UAE public holidays: in pictures

  • 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    Decorative lights illuminate the Corniche in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Hijri New Year, in August 2020. Victor Besa / The National
Updated: November 18, 2022, 9:40 AM