UAE Public and Religious Holidays: Their Meanings and Traditions | ExpatWoman.com
 

UAE Public and Religious Holidays: Their Meanings and Traditions

A guide to the significance to the people of the UAE's holidays throughout the year

Posted on

10 January 2018

Last updated on 11 January 2018
A Guide to What is Celebrated During UAE Holidays

Living as an expat in a foreign country, especially one which culture is very different from your own, you get to learn about new customs and traditions and even share in the celebrations of the locals.

This is certainly the case when you move to Abu Dhabi. As an Islamic country, the UAE has a wealth of new experiences and festivities for you to share in and learn about.

Here is a short explanation what each of them are about:

Leilat al-Mairaj (The Prophet’s Ascension)

On Ascension Day, Allah (God) took Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Jerusalem. Prophet Mohammad was then taken to heaven on the same day the journey was made. Ascension Day is celebrated yearly on 27 Rajab on the Islamic calendar.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a very special month for all Muslims and can be a fulfilling (and sometimes challenging) experience for expatriates to participate in. Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar and is a month of fasting, reflecting and commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

During the month, participants fast from sunrise until sunset where they refrain from consuming any food or liquids and smoking to name a few. The first meal of the day is called Suhoor and is eaten before sunrise. The fast is then broken at the end of the day during sunset with an Iftar meal.

It is prohibited to eat and smoke in public during this time of the year with most restaurants typically closing while the sun is out.

Eid al Fitr (End of Ramadan)

Meaning “Festival of breaking the fast” is a very special celebration for all Muslims. This marks the end of Ramadan and the time is usually spent with loved ones sharing food and showing kindness to one another and love to Allah. Eid al Fitr always falls on 1 Shawwal.

A Guide to What is Celebrated During UAE Holidays

Arafat (Haj) Day

On Arafat day Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon on mount Arafat. This day is celebrated on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and marks the second day of Hajj – a pilgrimage that Muslims must make at least once in their life if they are physically able to. Hajj is one of the five pillars that Islam is based on. Arafat day always occurs the day before Eid al Adha starts.

During this day, Muslims spend the day asking for forgiveness and making supplications. Those who aren’t partaking in Hajj are encouraged to fast during Arafat Day as it will forgive all their minor sins in the past and for the coming year.

Eid al Adha

Eid al Adha is one of the most sacred festivals for Muslims. The festival is also known as feast of the sacrifice and marks the day that Ibrahim showed his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for Allah. After seeing Ibrahim’s obedience, Allah sent a ram to be sacrificed on Ishmael’s behalf.

This three day celebration is spent with loved ones where they will sacrifice an animal to Allah or pay money to an organisation to sacrifice an animal on their behalf. Muslims will also spend time praying during these three days.

Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)

Al-Hijra is the Islamic New Year. People who follow the lunar calendar also celebrate the start of a new year the same way that westerners celebrate the start of a new year on the solar calendar.

A Guide to What is Celebrated During UAE Holidays

Mouloud (The Prophet’s Birthday)

This day celebrates the day on which Prophet Mohammad was born and is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal.

Commemoration Day - 30 November

This is one of two public holidays in the UAE that is not a religious holiday but rather a day to celebrate a historical event. Commemoration Day was previously known as Martyr’s Day and honours the Emirati’s who have died for their country.

National Day - 2 / 3 December

National Day is the only other holiday in the UAE that is not a religious holiday. National Day in the UAE celebrates the day that the seven emirates came together to form the UAE. Originally only six of the emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah and Umm al Quwain - joined together to form the new country. Ras al Khaimah joined one year later in 1972.