Cabinet Announces Calendar, Including Six-Day Breaks and Long Weekends
UAE residents can look forward to a year filled with leisure as the country’s Cabinet announces a list of at least 13 public holidays for 2024. Four of these holidays will gift residents with extended weekends, with the longest break spanning six days.
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Highlighted Holidays and Breaks:
1. New Year’s Day: UAE residents will kick off 2024 with a three-day weekend, as the first official holiday of the year, January 1, falls on a Monday.
2. Eid Al Fitr: The celebration marking the end of Ramadan promises a generous six-day break, with the public holiday spanning from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. The corresponding Gregorian calendar dates are estimated to be Tuesday, April 9, to Friday, April 12.
3. Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha: The holiest day in Islam, Arafah Day, observed on Dhul Hijjah 9, aligns with the celebration of Eid Al Adha, offering a five-day break from Sunday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 19.
4. Islamic New Year: Falling on Muharram 1, the first day of the Hijri year, this one-day holiday is expected on Sunday, July 7.
5. Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: The celebration on Rabi Al Awwal 12 offers a day off, with the specific Gregorian calendar date yet to be confirmed.
6. National Day: The year concludes with a four-day holiday, as December 2 and 3 fall on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Combining with the Saturday-Sunday weekend, residents will enjoy an extended break.
Planning According to the Hijri Calendar:
The announcement aligns with the Islamic calendar, where months can last 29 or 30 days based on the sighting of the crescent Moon. Authorities will later confirm the exact dates closer to each occasion.
Leisure Trends and Annual Leaves:
With these public holidays complementing the 30 annual leaves allowed per year, UAE residents often utilize these breaks for international vacations or relaxing staycations. The dates become pivotal in travel planning, especially for expatriates using annual leaves to visit their home countries.
As the UAE balances cultural traditions and modern lifestyles, the upcoming year promises ample opportunities for residents to enjoy well-deserved breaks and celebrations.
