Earlier this year, the UAE Government issued a decree unifying the number of holidays between the public and private sector. In other words, private sector employees in the emirates would have the same number of holidays as government employees. Yay!
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And in case you missed it, we have gathered a list of the public holidays in 2020, as well as the remaining holidays of 2019. Now is the time to mark (or confirm) these dates in your calendar!
UAE Public Holidays in 2020 and the Rest of 2019
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) of Dubai has issued the Islamic calendar for the year 1441, Khaleej Times reported. It includes the dates that will be observed as public holidays in the emirate.
List of Public Holidays in 2020
- New Year – January 1
- Ramadan – April 24
- Eid Al Fitr – May 23 (Ramadan 29 – Shawwal 3)
- Arafat Day – July 30 (Zul Hijjah 9)
- Eid Al Adha – July 31 (Zul Hijjah 10-12)
- Hijri New Year – Muharram 1
- Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – Rabeaa Al Awal 12
- Commemoration Day – November 30
- National Day – December 2 & 3
NOTE: Dates in the Islamic calendar are subject to moon sighting.
Remaining Holidays of 2019
Meanwhile, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has recently confirmed the public holidays for the rest of 2019. There are three more remaining holidays, as follows:
- Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – Rabeaa Al Awal 12
- Commemoration Day – November 30
- National Day – December 2 & 3
NOTE: The birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) will fall on Rabeaa Al Awal 12, which is expected to be on November 9.
Check out this timetable shared on the authority’s official page on Twitter:
Official Holidays in UAE pursuant to Cabinet Resolution No. (37) of 2019 pic.twitter.com/cxLOQU1uoi
— FAHR (@FAHR_UAE) September 8, 2019
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With these dates in mind, making travel or vacation plans for the year 2020 and for the rest of 2019 is much easier, don’t you think? Speaking of which, here is a list of places to visit and things to do in Dubai during the holidays. Enjoy setting those plans!