UAE Public Holidays: How Ramadan Decides Your Extra Days Off
As a resident of the UAE, you’re likely aware that the country’s public holiday calendar is influenced by the Islamic lunar calendar, particularly the duration of Ramadan. But did you know that when Ramadan completes 30 days, you can get up to 13 days off? The UAE’s public holiday resolution includes one day for the Gregorian New Year, three days for Eid Al Fitr, and additional days for other significant Islamic occasions.
The total number of public holidays in the UAE can vary between 12 and 13 days, depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, the public holiday total is 12 days. However, if it reaches 30 days, the additional Ramadan day takes the total to 13. The exact timing of these holidays is confirmed through official moon sighting.
For instance, in 2027, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Tuesday, March 9. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, residents would have three public holiday days through Thursday, March 11. If it lasts 30 days, Friday, March 12 would be added, creating a possible six-day break when combined with the weekend. Additionally, the two-day Eid Al Etihad holiday is expected to fall on Thursday, December 2 and Friday, December 3, extending into a four-day weekend.
Residents can also look forward to several long weekends throughout the year. A new law that came into effect at the beginning of 2025 allows certain public holidays to be transferred to the start or end of the week if they fall mid-week, enabling people to enjoy longer, continuous breaks. This system is expected to benefit residents further in 2026, with seven religious, national, and general occasions that offer two confirmed extended weekends, including a six-day break, and four holidays that can be transferred to create longer weekends.
If you’re planning your year ahead, it’s essential to keep an eye on the UAE’s public holiday calendar, as the dates can change from year to year based on moon sightings. By understanding how Ramadan’s duration affects the public holiday calendar, you can make the most of your time off and plan your long weekends and breaks accordingly.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- The UAE public holiday calendar provides up to 13 official paid days off per year when Ramadan completes a 30-day cycle.
- The total number of public holidays can vary between 12 and 13 days, depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
- Residents can experience several long weekends throughout the year, including potential six-day breaks.
- A new law allows certain public holidays to be transferred to the start or end of the week if they fall mid-week, enabling people to enjoy longer, continuous breaks.
