Dubai: With the new Saturday-Sunday weekend system, keeping track of all your public holidays is key to planning your vacations this year.
UAE has unified public holidays for public and private sector employees which are often confirmed closer to the date. However, based on some calculations we could give you approximate dates for when you should plan your break in 2022.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid holidays in the UAE are confirmed based on the moon-sighting tradition. The dates as per the Islamic Hijri calendar are from 29 Ramadan until 3 Shawwal 1443. Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan.
Based on calculations at this time, the corresponding dates on the Gregorian calendar are from April 30 (Saturday) to May 4 (Wednesday), 2022.
This could mean a very long weekend off for residents (5 days). If you work on Saturdays, you will get four days of the working week off. The actual dates will be announced by the government closer to Eid.
Arafat Day
Taking place roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, Arafat Day marks the second day of Haj, or the pilgrimage. This day as per the Islamic calendar would fall on a Friday. 9 Dhu Al Hijjah 1443 is expected to fall on July 8, 2022. This would mean a possible long weekend for residents who have Saturdays and Sundays off. If you only have Sunday off, this can be a nice break in your work week.
Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is observed on the day after Arafat Day, marking the conclusion of the pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hijri calendar dates for this holiday are 10 to 12 Dhu Al Hijjah 1443, which correspond to July 9 (Saturday) to 11 (Monday), 2022. This would mean another long weekend (3 days).
Hijri New Year
Marking the beginning of the new Islamic year 1444, this holiday is expected to fall on Saturday, July 30, 2022. If you work on Saturdays, this can give you that much-needed extra day off. If you have a two-day weekend, and are already off work, you will not get an additional day off.
Prophet Mohammad's birthday
The birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal. In Arabic, the holiday is referred to as Eid Al Mawlid Al Nabawi. This year, the holiday falls on a Saturday - October 8. Again, this can be a nice break for those who are on duty on Saturdays.
December 1 to 3
The UAE observes Commemoration Day on December 1 and it is marked by a day off for employees in the country. This is followed by National day celebrations on December 2 and 3. December 1 is a Thursday so you are likely to get a four-day weekend.
*All Islamic holidays are subject to confirmation by the UAE government after moon-sighting.
