Holidays and Observances in United Arab Emirates in 2020
A few months later, UAE residents will be likely to enjoy a long weekend with a three-day break for Eid Al Fitr, expected to fall on May 23 (Saturday) or 24 (Sunday), depending on sighting the crescent of Shawwal.
Events and observations associated with the holidays we list may be canceled or otherwise affected due to measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check with event organizers for details.
| Date | Name | Type | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | National holiday | |
| 20 Mar | Friday | March Equinox | Season | |
| 22 Mar | Sunday | Leilat al-Meiraj (The Prophet’s Ascension) | Observance | |
| 24 Apr | Friday | Ramadan Start | Observance | |
| 22 May | Friday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday 1 | National holiday | |
| 23 May | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday 2 | National holiday | |
| 24 May | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr | National holiday | |
| 25 May | Monday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday 3 | National holiday | |
| 26 May | Tuesday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday 4 | National holiday | |
| 21 Jun | Sunday | June Solstice | Season | |
| 22 Jul | Wednesday | Hajj season begins | Observance | |
| 30 Jul | Thursday | Arafat (Hajj) Day | National holiday | |
| 31 Jul | Friday | Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | National holiday | |
| 1 Aug | Saturday | Eid al-Adha Holiday 1 | National holiday | |
| 2 Aug | Sunday | Eid al-Adha Holiday 2 | National holiday | |
| 20 Aug | Thursday | Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year) | National holiday | |
| 22 Sep | Tuesday | September Equinox | Season | |
| 29 Oct | Thursday | Mouloud | Observance | |
| 1 Dec | Tuesday | Commemoration Day | National holiday | |
| 2 Dec | Wednesday | National Day | National holiday | |
| 3 Dec | Thursday | National Day Holiday | National holiday | |
| 21 Dec | Monday | December Solstice | Season | |
| 31 Dec | Thursday | New Year’s Eve | Observan |