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Things to Do on UAE Public Holidays

Things to Do on UAE Public Holidays

Are you living in the UAE and wondering what you can do on the public holidays? Well, we have got your back. The holidays won’t go for weeks, but it’s the United Arab Emirates, we can never expect less from them. Whether it is a one-day celebration or three days, the country always goes beyond to celebrate the day. So, from now on, you do not have to sulk at home anymore. Here is the list of prominent holidays celebrated in the UAE and what activities you can do on those days.

UAE Public Holidays: How can you spend the Day?

  1. New Year’s Day

Let’s begin with the very first holiday that the UAE celebrates in the year, which is none other than New Year’s Day. It is the celebration of the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is only a one-day public holiday. For New Year’s Day on January 1, you can head for a relaxing Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina. From the cool celebratory breeze to the midnight fireworks, you can witness the top marvels from here uninterruptedly. You can also arrange it on a rental yacht in Dubai, surrounded by your close and loved ones only. Additionally, you have the freedom to choose the décor, food, and DJ.

  1. Eid Al Fitr

The next on the calendar is the Eid Al Fitr, whose duration is from 2 to 3 days. Its dates keep varying since it is based on moon sighting after Ramadan. We can say that it marks the end of Ramadan celebrations and is considered one of the longest public holidays in the UAE. These 3 days are filled with religious vibes all over the UAE. So, the best thing to do during this UAE holiday is to take a cultural Abu Dhabi city tour and explore the parts of the city that have shaped it today as it is. Besides, it will be a very insightful journey for everyone, and what’s the best time to visit/revisit the roots?

  1. Arafat Day

This Islamic holiday falls on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic calendar, just before Eid al-Adha. It is a one-day public holiday only in the UAE, so you can go for the combo tours that will save you both money and time by organizing the day meticulously. One of the best options is the IMG Worlds of Adventure and Green Planet combo tickets.

  1. Eid Al Adha

As per the Islamic Calendar, the date of Eid Al Adha always falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah & is a festival of sacrifice. Since it is a celebration for two to three days, you can spend them most productively by touring the prominent Emirates. So, on the first day, you can go for the Abu Dhabi city tour, and on the second day, a full-day Dubai city tour. And you can use the third day to relax and unwind in your own space.

  1. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

It is generally a one-day holiday that falls on the 1st Muharram as per the Islamic calendar. It is the new lunar year and marks the beginning of the Islamic Hijri year. To spend your holiday in the best way in the UAE, you can choose the Afternoon Desert Safari, which gives you a mix of thrill, cultural immersion, entertainment, and a delicious dinner. However, if you do not want to leave the city, then visit a mosque and indulge in an authentic dinner within the city.

  1. Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabi)

This one-day holiday is to observe the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. It is considered a religious observance and falls on the 12th Rabi’ Al-Awwal as per the Islamic calendar. To make the best out of this holiday, you can choose the full-day Oman Khasab tour. It will give you a relaxing and unique day out, away from the city. However, the holiday depends on the official declaration and is not always a day off.

  1. UAE Commemoration Day (Martyrs’ Day)

This day marks the sacrifices of the honorable Emirati martyrs who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It is annually observed on December 1, and when combined with the UAE National Day, it becomes a longer UAE holiday. You can choose the Al Ain city tour or the Fujairah East Coast tour for these auspicious days. To add adventure, you can go for the Hatta Mountain tour, which will make your holidays worthwhile.

  1. UAE National Day

The UAE National Day marks the independence of the country from British rule in 1971. This is a major celebration when all the UAE citizens come together to celebrate their heritage and culture. Moreover, they are topped with fireworks and cultural events, which are nothing less than spectacular. It is a two-day public holiday on December 2 and 3, which can be well-celebrated with a six-Emirates tour. It is perfect for touring the Emirates that form the UAE.

Takeaway

Amidst everything, you must note that Islamic holiday dates shift each year (based on the lunar calendar). The exact dates are confirmed closer to the time by moon sighting announcements.

Lots of things to do, and don’t have an idea how to organize them? We are here for it as well. For any of the choices, we have a variety of options, so don’t forget to check them out in case you want to grab the limited-time offers.