The UAE Cabinet has approved the official list of public holidays for both the private and public sector in December, 2019 and for 2020
31 October 2019
| Last updated on 31 October 2019
Two national holidays will be celebrated from December 1 - 3
On October 31, the UAE government took to Twitter and officially announced the confirmed public holiday list for the remainder of 2019 and for 2020.
Officials said that the next public holiday will celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday on Saturday, November 9th, 2019.
Both the public and private sector will enjoy a five-day weekend at the beginning of December in honour of Commemoration Day which has been moved to Sunday, December 1st, and the 48th UAE National Day on Monday, December 2nd which will run on to Tuesday, December 3rd.
Those who typically have a Friday and Saturday weekend will have an additional three days off, and will resume work and school/university classes on Wednesday, December 4th.
UAE public holidays in 2020
Residents can look forward to 8 national holidays to be celebrated across the country by the public and private sector. It's important to note that most national holidays follow the Islamic calendar.
Ahead, we've compiled the complete list of UAE public holidays in 2020:
New Year’s Day - January 1
Wednesday, January 1st, 2020 will observe a public holiday.
Eid al Fitr
Eid al Fitr or "breaking of the fast" will be a public holiday to mark the end of Ramadan in the UAE. As it follows the Islamic calendar, the official date is yet to be announced as it will depend the moon sighting. However, it's likely to happen on Friday, May 22nd, 2020.
Arafat Day - July 29
Arafat Day celebrates the second day of the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Haj. Follows the Islamic calendar, thus the official date is yet to be announced, but might likely fall on Wednesday, July 29th.
Eid Al Adha - July 30
The UAE usually celebrates Eid al Adha with a 3-day public holiday. Dependent on the moon sighting, UAE residents may enjoy a four-day weekend if it takes place after Arafat Day.
Hijri/Islamic New Year - August 23
Sunday, August 23rd will mark the new Islamic Year in 2020.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday - October 29
The Prophet Muhammad’s birthday will be celebrated with a public holiday on Thursday, October 29th.
Commemoration Day - December 1
Commemoration Day honours the brave Emiratis who died serving and protecting their country.
UAE National Day - December 2 and 3
The 49th UAE National Day will see two public holidays on Wednesday, December 2nd and Thursday, December 3rd.
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