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29 March 2024

UAE Public Holidays: How many days before your next 3-day weekend?

Published
By Shuchita Kapur

The first few months of 2016 have been dry as far as holidays for the UAE’s office-goers are concerned.

January 1, the first official holiday of the year, happened to fall on a Friday this year, and there haven’t been any official holidays since then.

In fact, there is still a wait of a good 37 days before you get a long (3-day) paid weekend in the UAE.

The 5th of May, being Israa and Mi'araj, is expected to be the next public holiday (subject to moon sighting), which together with the weekend, will give three off days to most residents.

When it rains, it pours

Even as the first half of the year will continue to feel drought-like for holidays, with only one official holiday (Israa and Mi'araj) expected to fall on a non-weekend day, the second half of the year will give the UAE’s public and private sector employees plenty to cheer about.

The next paid holiday for workers in the country is expected on Thursday, July 7 (Eid al Fitr, subject to moon sighting).

Most of the UAE’s national holidays and festivals are based on the sighting of the moon. Due to this, the actual dates may vary.

Employees in the country get a two-day holiday to mark Eid al Fitr. This year, it is expected to fall on Thursday, so employees may again expect a long three-day weekend.

According to Article 74 of the UAE Labour Law, workers in the country shall be entitled to an official leave with full payment on the following occasions:

1. New Year's Day (Hijri) – one day

2. New Year's Day (Gregorian) – one day

3. Eid al Fitr – two days

4. Eid al Adha and Arafat Day – three days

5. Prophet Mohammed Birthday Anniversary – one day

6. Israa and Mi'araj – one day

7. Martyr's Day - one day

8. National Day – one day

In addition, Commemoration Day is marked annually on November 30 in the UAE, recognising the sacrifices and dedication of Emirati martyrs who have given their life in the UAE and abroad in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service.

Among the other 2016 holidays that may lead to extended weekends is Eid Al Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice. It lasts for three days, and in 2016, it is expected to start on Sunday, September 11.

This would mean a rather long break (Friday, September 9 to Tuesday, September 13) even as the exact dates will depend on the sighting of the moon.

In addition, the Islamic New Year in 2016 may fall on Sunday, October 2, again extending the previous weekend.