Upcoming Paid Holidays and Long Weekends in the UAE for 2023
The next national holiday in the UAE is just around the corner, expected to fall on Friday, September 29th, in commemoration of Prophet Mohammed [PBUH] birthday.
Mawlid al-Nabi, known as the Prophet's [PBUH] birthday in Arabic, occurs during the third month of the Islamic calendar. While the Islamic occasion is expected to officially fall on Wednesday, September 27th, the public holiday has been scheduled for two days later, on September 29th.
For those following a typical Monday to Friday work schedule, this arrangement will translate into an extended weekend, as the following days, Saturday and Sunday, are already part of the regular weekend.
Beyond this upcoming holiday, there are two more national holidays remaining on the UAE's calendar for 2023:
- Commemoration Day (or Martyrs Day), a day to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in service to the nation, will take place on Friday, December 1st.
- UAE National Day, celebrating the unification of six of the seven emirates in 1971 under the guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding father, will be observed on December 2nd. This year, it coincides with a Saturday, making December 3rd, a Sunday, part of the weekend, allowing UAE residents to enjoy another long weekend.
National Day festivities in the UAE typically involve vibrant displays of fireworks, exciting fun fairs, motor shows, and parades throughout the country. This year marks the 52nd National Day of the UAE.
Residents in the UAE have already relished several long weekends and paid leaves in 2023, starting with New Year's Day on January 1st, followed by Eid al-Fitr from April 20th to 23rd, Arafat Day on June 27th, Eid al-Adha from June 28th to 30th, and the Islamic New Year on July 21st, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and celebration throughout the year.