The full list of UAE public holidays for 2020
The UAE government announces these in advance and has already outlined the full list of UAE public holidays for 2020. For UAE residents this year, it’s expected that there'll be up to 14 days of public holiday to enjoy, applicable to both public and private sector employees. It’s worth noting that some Islamic holidays are dependent on the sighting of the moon, so the actual days off may differ slightly to the below list.
January 1: New Year’s Day
Like many places around the world, New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the UAE. In 2020, New Year’s Day falls on a Wednesday, with normal working hours recommencing on Thursday January 2.
May 23 to May 26: Eid Al Fitr (dependent on moon)
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan each year, and is dependent on the sighting of the moon. In 2020, Ramadan began on the evening of April 23 and it’s already been confirmed that private sector employees will be given a public holiday from 29 Ramadan (which is Friday May 22) to 3 Shawaal. Dependent on the sighting of the moon, 3 Shawaal will fall on either Monday May 25 or Tuesday May 24, making it a four or five day weekend.
July 30: Arafat Day (dependent on moon)
Again dependent on the moon sighting, Arafat Day is a public holiday that typically comes with a day off for UAE residents.
July 31: Eid Al Adha (dependent on moon)
Eid Al Adha commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. In the UAE in 2020, residents were given an additional two days off.
August 23: Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, will be celebrated with a public holiday on Sunday August 23, 2020.
October 29: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) is marked each year with one day off. This year, the public holiday falls on Thursday October 29.
December 1: Commemoration Day
Also known as Martyr’s Day, this UAE public holiday honours Emiratis who have died in the line of duty while protecting their homeland. It falls on Tuesday December 1.
December 2 and 3: UAE National Day
December 2, 2020 marks 49 years since the seven emirates formed the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Each year, UAE residents receive an additional two days off. In 2020, that’s a Wednesday and a Thursday, so combined with Commemoration Day on December 1, it makes a five day weekend to welcome the start of December.