Public Holidays in the UAE

What Are the Official Public Holidays?

Public holidays in the UAE are declared by the government and apply to both public and private sector employees. 

These holidays are often tied to Islamic occasions and may vary slightly each year depending on the lunar calendar.

Common UAE Public Holidays Include:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan)
• Arafat Day
• Eid Al Adha
• Islamic New Year
• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
• Commemoration Day
• UAE National Day (December 2–3)

Are Employees Entitled to Paid Leave? Yes. Public holidays are paid days off. If an employee is required to work on a holiday, they are entitled to:

• Compensatory day off or 
• Overtime pay (regular wage + 50%)

Important Notes for Employers:

• Monitor official announcements, as dates may change
• Notify employees in advance about any expected changes
• Update HR systems accordingly Tips for HR Management
• Plan team workload around long weekends
• Factor in public holidays when scheduling leave or payroll cut-offs

Conclusion

Understanding public holidays is not just about marking dates—it's about respecting cultural traditions, staying legally compliant, and managing employee expectations