12 or 13 public holidays: how Ramadan decides
The UAE’s public holiday calendar follows the Islamic lunar calendar for most occasions, so the yearly total changes with the length of Ramadan. If Ramadan has 29 days, the total is 12 days. If it completes 30 days, the 30th day is added to the Eid Al Fitr holiday and the total becomes 13.
How each occasion is counted
| Occasion | Days |
|---|---|
| Gregorian New Year | 1 |
| Eid Al Fitr | 3 (4 if Ramadan has 30 days) |
| Arafah Day | 1 |
| Eid Al Adha | 3 |
| Islamic New Year | 1 |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | 1 |
| Eid Al Etihad (National Day) | 2 |
| Total | 12 (13 with a 30-day Ramadan) |
A 2027 example
Eid Al Fitr 2027 is expected to begin on Tuesday 9 March. If the crescent is sighted at the end of 29 days, the holiday runs three days, to Thursday 11 March. If Ramadan completes 30 days, Friday 12 March is added, and with the weekend that could make a six-day break. Eid Al Etihad is expected on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 December.
Exact Hijri dates are confirmed by official moon sighting. For every expected 2027 date, see our 2027 public holiday list, and for which holidays can be moved to make longer weekends, our holiday transfer rule guide.
