December 2 and 3 Designated Public Holidays, January 1 Offers a Favorable Start to 2024
Private sector workers in the UAE are set to celebrate paid public holidays on December 2 and 3 to commemorate the National Day, marking the 52nd anniversary of the unification of the Emirates in 1971. Although falling over the Saturday-Sunday weekend, these holidays won’t extend into an extended break this year, differing from the three-day break granted in 2022.
Previous Year’s Break Comparison:
In 2022, both private and public sector employees enjoyed a three-day break, as an additional day off on December 1, observed as Commemoration Day (formerly Martyrs’ Day), complemented the National Day holidays. This year, Friday, December 1, is a regular working day, altering the pattern.
READ:UAE National Day Celebrations to Illuminate Expo City, Focused on Sustainability in the Year of 2023
New Year’s Celebration:
While the National Day holidays may not provide an extended weekend, residents can anticipate a three-day break at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. January 1, 2024, falls on a Monday and is designated as a paid holiday. Combined with the Saturday-Sunday weekend, this offers a favorable start to the new year with three days off.
Union Day Celebration at Expo City Dubai:
Expo City Dubai will host the official Union Day show, narrating the country’s sustainability story. The event aligns with the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, marking the theme of the year and emphasizing the nation’s dedication to a greener future.
As the UAE turns 52 this year, the National Day festivities promise to be a vibrant celebration of unity, history, and progress. While this year’s National Day holidays may not extend into an extended break, the upcoming three-day break at the end of 2023 and the start of 2024 offers residents an opportunity for rest and celebration.