The UAE Public Holidays revolve around the Islamic religion, traditions and festivals. Starting 1998, UAE has had a 5 day government working week. Normally the weekend falls on Friday –Saturday. However the private sector is allowed to make its own exceptions.
As most of the Islamic festivals are based on the appearance of the moon, the dates are likely to vary and can be confirmed only a short time before the actual holiday begins. As it’s based on the lunar cycle, The UAE public holiday calendar changes each year. Islamic religious holidays begin at sunset, the day prior to the holiday.
UAE Public Holidays-2012
International New Year’s Day |
Sunday, 1 January 2012 |
Mouloud – Birth of the Prophet Mohammed |
Sunday, 5 February 2012 |
Israa & Miaraj Night / Leilat al-Meiraj – Ascension of the Prophet |
Sunday, 17 June 2012 |
Eid 2012 |
Saturday, 18 August 2012( This holiday is regional and may be limited to certain groups of people). Sunday, 19 August 2012 Monday, 20 August 2012 Tuesday, 21 August 2012 Eid al-Fitr – End of Ramadan |
Arafat (Haj) Day |
Thursday, 25 October 2012 |
Qurban 2012 |
Friday, 26 October 2012 (Feast of Sacrifice) Saturday, 27 October 2012 Sunday, 28 October 2012 Eid al-Adha / Qurban – Feast of the Sacrifice, a 3-days public holiday |
Al-Hijra / Hijri New Year’s Day – Islamic New Year |
Thursday, 15 November 2012 |
National Day |
Sunday, 2 December 2012 Monday, 3 December 2012 UAE National Day – a 2-days public holiday |