Hello 2023! Many of us are still recovering from the winter holidays and will be looking forward to the UAE public holidays in 2023.
Nothing beats the joy of public holidays and having the time to do whatever you want. If you’re planning a trip with your loved one or making staycation plans in the UAE, here are all the UAE public holidays in 2023 for both the private and public sectors, as approved by the UAE Cabinet.
UAE public holidays in 2023
New Year’s Day
The first public holiday of 2023 was on New Year’s Day, for both the private and public sectors. January 1 fell on a Sunday.
Eid Al Fitr
A few days after Ramadan ends, it’s time for the first Eid holiday of the year – Eid Al Fitr. In 2023, this day will fall between Ramadan 29 and Shawwal 3. According to astronomical calculations, this would be from Thursday, April 20, till Sunday, April 23. Actual dates are subject to moon-sighting.
The days concerned are Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday– meaning a four-day weekend for UAE residents.
Arafah Day
The Day of Arafah is an Islamic holiday that falls on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic Calendar. This is expected to be on Tuesday, June 27.
Eid Al Adha
Arafat Day is directly followed by Eid al-Adha or the “Feast of Sacrifice”, one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar.
It falls on Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12, which corresponds to Wednesday, June 28 to 30. According to UAE Cabinet, residents get to enjoy long holiday from Dhul Hijjah 9-12, when paired with Arafat Day.
Dates are subject to the legitimate sighting of the moon. But based on astronomical calculations, residents will enjoy a six-day long weekend (for those of us who usually have a two-day weekend), from June 27 – July 2, 2023 — the longest next year.
Hijri New Year
The Islamic New Year also called the Hijri New Year, is the day that marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year.
The first day of the Islamic year is a public holiday. In 2023, it falls on Friday, July 21. This translates into a three-day weekend for those with Saturday-Sunday off.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
The Prophet’s birthday (PBUH) is observed on 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1444, which translates to September 29, 2023. It falls on a Friday too, which would be another three-day weekend for residents.
Commemoration Day and UAE National Day
Commemoration Day (previously known as Martyrs’ Day), is marked annually on December 1, which is a Friday in 2023.
It is followed by National Day on Saturday, December 2 and a further holiday for National Day on Sunday, December 3. This means it will be a three-day weekend for those of us who enjoy a two-day weekend.
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UAE public holidays in 2023: List in full
- New Year’s Day, January 1
- Eid al-Fitr: April 20, 21, 22 and 23
- Arafat Day: June 27
- Eid al-Adha: June 28, 29, 30
- Islamic New Year: July 19
- The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 27
- Commemoration Day: December 1
- National Day: December 2, 3
