List of holidays

The UAE Cabinet granted equal leaves to the public and private sectors. This decision aims to achieve a balance between the two sectors in the number of official holidays they are entitled to.

Here is a list of public holidays for the year 2023 applicable to both public and private sectors.

• Gregorian New Year: 1 January
• Eid Al Fitr: From 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal* (4 days)
• Arafah day and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): From 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah* (4 days)
• Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year) 
• Prophet Mohammed's birthday: 29 September 2023
• National Day: 2 and 3 December (2 days).

*Note: Islamic holidays are determined according to moon sighting.

Spirit of the Union

UAE’s National Day falls on 2 December and marks the UAE's formal nationalisation and the start of the federal unification of the emirates in 1971.

‘Spirit of the Union’ is the official theme of the UAE’s National Day celebrations. It is derived from the vision and leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder President of the UAE. The theme is complemented with a logo that has silhouette of the iconic image of the first congregation of the Founding Fathers of the UAE, on 2 December 1971.

Learn more about the official National Day 51 celebration.