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We've got all of the important dates for you to make a note of for both 2017 and 2018 right here so you can plan your year
15 January 2014
| Last updated on 7 March 2018
Here we take a look at the holiday dates for Dubai and the rest of the UAE, including the fixed holidays as well as the ones that are dependent on moon sightings, such as when Ramadan will start and end this year.
Before taking note of the holiday dates listed below, please remember that Islamic holiday dates are subject to change due to moon sightings, and thus may differ from the date given below. Also, in the UAE, weekends are Friday and Saturday.
A public holiday in the UAE can be moved to the beginning or end of a week if it falls between two working days.
For more information about any one of the holidays, we have full guides here: Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Commemoration Day and UAE National Day.
UAE Public Holidays 2017
While the first public holiday for the region isn't until the end of April, residents and visitors to the region will no doubt enjoy an extra few days off towards the end of the year.
| Day | Date | Holiday | Comments |
| Sunday | 1st January | New Years Day | |
| Monday | 24th April | Israa & Miaraj Night* | Ascension of the Prophet |
| Saturday | 27th May | Ramadan begins* | Date the Holy Month is expected to begin |
| Sunday | 25th June | Eid Al Fitr* | |
| Thursday | 31st August | Arafat Day* | Arafat Day or Day of Arafa is the 2nd day of the Haj |
| Friday | 1st September | Eid Al Adha* | Date varies depending on lunar cycle |
| Friday | 22nd September | Hijri New Years Day* | Islamic New Year |
| Thursday | 30th November | UAE Commemoration Day (Martyrs' Day) | To commemorate the UAE soldiers that have lost their lives |
| Thursday | 30th November | Prophet Muhammad's Birthday* | |
| Friday | 2nd December | UAE National Day | |
| Saturday | 3rd December | UAE National Day Holiday | Public sector only |
*Remember that certain dates throughout the year may change as they are dependent on moon sightings.
You might also be interested in...
- Dubai's top tourist attractions- the ultimate guide
- The beaches in Dubai... our guide to the best white sandy beaches
- Holiday in Dubai - what you can and cannot wear & what to pack
UAE Public Holidays 2018
As Ramadan creeps towards the beginning of the year, it means that holidays like Eid offer the perfect opportunity to escape Dubai's summer heat.
| Day | Date | Holiday | Comments |
| Monday | 1st January | New Years Day | |
| Friday | 13th April | Israa & Miaraj Night* |
Ascension of the Prophet |
| Wednesday | 16th May | First day of Ramadan* | Date the Holy Month is expected to begin |
| Thursday | 15th June | Eid Al Fitr* | |
| Tuesday | 21st August | Arafat Day* | Arafat Day or Day of Arafa is the 2nd day of the Haj |
| Wednesday | 22nd August | Eid Al Adha* | Date varies depending on lunar cycle |
| Tuesday | 11th September | Hijri New Years Day* | Islamic New Year |
| Tuesday | 20th November | Prophet Muhammad's Birthday* | |
| Friday | 30th November | UAE Commemoration Day (Martyrs' Day) | To commemorate the UAE soldiers that have lost their lives |
| Saturday | 2nd December | UAE National Day | |
| Sunday | 3rd December | UAE National Day Holiday | Public sector only |
*Remember that certain dates throughout the year may change as they are dependent on moon sightings.
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