Official Public Holidays in Dubai 2021

Public Holidays in Dubai 2021 (And remaining holidays of 2020)

The official public holidays in Dubai are determined by the government and the sighting of the moon. Since Dubai is an Islamic city in the UAE, the people of Dubai celebrate many Islamic holidays. The city follows two different calendars. The Islamic calendar– the lunar calendar consisting of 354 days, whereas, the Gregorian calendar– the solar calendar consisting of 365 days. The holidays are declared according to the two calendars.

The Dubai weekend holiday starts from Friday to Saturday, stating Sunday as the official first day of the week. There are two types of holidays, the national holiday which is based on the solar calendar, and the Islamic holidays which are based on the lunar calendar.

The Islamic holidays shift 11 or 12 days a year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. Since each month of the Islamic calendar starts with the sighting of the moon, the dates in which it begins becomes complicated. Hence, the Islamic holidays are not fixed like the national holidays.

Many people take a short vacation during the Islamic holidays. If in case an Islamic holiday falls on Friday or Saturday, then the citizens will get the following weekday marked as a holiday. The national holidays in Dubai are,

National Holidays in Dubai (Islamic Calendar)

• Eid Al-Fitr – Ramadan 29 Shawaal 3
• Arafah Day – Dhul Al Hijjah 10-12
• Islamic New Year – Muharram 1^st
• The Prophet’s Birthday

National Holidays in Dubai (Gregorian Calendar)

• New Year – January 1^st
• Commemoration Day – December 1^st
• National Day – December 2^nd and 3^rd

The remaining holidays in 2020:

• The Prophet’s Birthday – October 29^th, Thursday.
• Commemoration Day – December 1^st, Tuesday
• The National Day – December 2^nd and 3^rd, Wednesday & Thursday

List of Upcoming Holidays for 2021

*These dates can change according to the moon sighting*

• New Year’s 2021 – January 1^st Friday
• Eid Al Fitr – May 13^th Thursday
• Eid al Fitr Holiday – May 14^th Friday
• Arafat Day – July 19^th Monday
• Eid Al Adha Holiday – July 20^th Tuesday
• Eid Al Adha Holiday – July 21^st Wednesday
• Eid Al Adha Holiday – July 22^nd Thursday
• Islamic New Year – August 9^th Monday
• Prophets Birthday – October 18^th Monday
• Commemoration Day – December 1^st Wednesday
• The National Day – December 2^nd Thursday
• The National Day Holiday – December 3^rd Friday

The celebration of Christmas and other religious holidays are not considered as a national or public holiday in Dubai. Even though, the city accepts other religions they do not follow the traditional holidays. Therefore, religious holidays that fall under weekdays are stated as a normal working day/ school day in the country.

The holidays of other religions are tolerated in the country. During the Christmas seasons, the shopping malls in Dubai are decorated and provides many offers, deals, and discounts. Some corporate offices may give holidays for Christmas day. But not all companies follow those, so employees celebrating the occasion must request a leave beforehand.

The Dubai private and public school holidays are declared as per the Ministry of Curriculum in the city. School holidays are listed under three semesters.

Even though the month of Ramadan is grandly celebrated in the UAE, it is not listed as one of the national/public holidays in the country. Citizens observe the Ramadan fast at the beginning of the month of Ramadan and conclude the period of fasting in the month of Shawwal. Followed by the Eid Al Fitr festival after sighting the crescent for the new month.

Dubai upholds Islamic culture and traditions emphasizing its value as an Islamic state in the world. If you are planning a holiday vacation or a short trip you can make your plans according to the calendars. It is best to avoid planning any vacations during Ramadan since it is not an official public holiday. Private sector businesses and schools operate during this month.

Shopping malls and other tourist attraction spots – Burj Khalifa, beaches, and other outlets will be open during public holidays. Since it is a holiday many people have plenty of leisure time to spend with their families and friends. However, the Dubai Museum might be closed and some small shops in the area will close during Eid and other Islamic holidays. On the National day, there are many events to observe in the city, including fireworks.