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UAE has unified public holidays for public and private sector employees, many of which are often confirmed closer to the date Image Credit: Shutterstock

Dubai: UAE residents last enjoyed a 4-day long weekend in April for Eid Al Fitr. There's another longer break coming up in June in celebration of Eid Al Adha in the UAE.

On November 27, the UAE announced the official public holiday calendar for 2023. UAE has unified public holidays for public and private sector employees.

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The calendar mentions dates as per the Islamic calendar, many of which are often confirmed closer to the date. However, based on calculations of when these dates might fall, we have listed the approximate dates for when you should plan your break in 2023.

Arafat Day

Taking place roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, Arafat Day marks the second day of Haj or the pilgrimage. The Islamic calendar date for Arafat Day is 9 Dhu Al Hijjah 1443 which is expected to fall on Tuesday, June 27. Combined with Eid Al Adha holidays, this could mark the start of a long weekend.

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 - these correspond to Wednesday, June 28 to Friday, June 30. With the weekly Saturday, Sunday off, this would mean six days off, starting with Arafat Day on Tuesday.

Hijri New Year

Marking the beginning of the new Islamic year 1444, the official UAE holidays calendar lists this day as Friday, July 21. If you have Saturday off, this could give you a three-day long weekend.

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. The official UAE holidays calendar lists this day as September 29 which is a Friday - this would mean a long weekend off for those who also enjoy Saturdays off.

December 2,3

The UAE observes Commemoration Day on December 1 and it is usually marked as a day off for employees in the country. This is followed by National Day celebrations on December 2 and 3. The official calendar mentions December 2 and 3 as paid public holidays for UAE residents. These dates fall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - which would mean a three-day weekend off for most residents. 

*All Islamic holidays are subject to confirmation by the UAE government after moon-sighting.