UAE residents are in for a treat with a total of 13 public holidays in 2024, as officially announced by the country's Cabinet. Among these, four key occasions will extend into long weekends, offering a maximum break of six days.

These public holidays are additional to the 30 annual leave days granted to employees each year. Recent travel surveys indicate that a significant number of expatriates in the UAE strategically utilize their annual leave for trips to their home countries. Public holidays, especially those creating extended weekends, become prime opportunities for global vacations or relaxing staycations.

The dates announced align with the Islamic calendar, and for your convenience in planning, we have converted them to Gregorian calendar dates using the Hijri calendar published on the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) website. Keep in mind that the exact dates will be confirmed by relevant authorities closer to each occasion, based on the sighting of the crescent Moon.

Let's delve into the exciting breaks lined up for 2024:

1. Happy New Year - 3-Day Weekend: Commence the year with a bang as January 1 falls on a Monday, giving residents a delightful three-day weekend to kick off 2024. Enjoy a well-deserved day of rest after celebrating New Year's Eve.

   Eid Al Fitr - 6-Day Break: Celebrate the end of Ramadan with a generous six-day break. The government designates Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 as a public holiday, providing a fantastic opportunity for an extended vacation or a relaxing staycation.

2. Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha - 5 Days Off: Mark the holiest day in Islam, Arafah Day on Dhul Hijjah 9, followed by the celebration of Eid Al Adha over the subsequent three days. With corresponding Gregorian calendar dates from June 16 to June 19, including the weekend on June 15, this offers a generous five-day break.

3. Islamic New Year - 1-Day Holiday: While not a lengthy break, Muharram 1, marking the first day of the Hijri year and expected on Sunday, July 7, provides a welcomed day off for those without a Sunday weekend.

4. Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday - Date TBD: Celebrate Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday on Rabi Al Awwal 12. The exact Gregorian calendar date is yet to be confirmed.

5. National Day - 4-Day Holiday: Concluding the year, December 2 and 3 fall on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, creating a splendid four-day holiday when combined with the weekend.