June 16, 2025

Public Holiday and Vacation Period in Dubai and UAE

Dubai and the UAE are renowned for their opulence, progressive culture, and luxurious lifestyle. However, beyond the city’s skyscrapers and the fast-paced business world, Dubai and the rest of the UAE also offer unique and culturally rich public holiday and vacation periods that reflect the country’s diverse heritage and traditions. Understanding the public holiday and vacation period in Dubai and the UAE is crucial for residents, expats, and visitors who plan to make the most of these breaks, whether for travel, relaxation, or cultural immersion.

Public Holiday and Vacation Period in Dubai

Public holidays in the UAE are a mix of both Islamic and secular observances. The country’s public holiday calendar is shaped by Islamic traditions, national pride, and celebrations of important historical events. Below is a list of the major public holidays in the UAE, particularly focusing on those in Dubai.

National Day (December 2-3)

National Day is one of the most significant holidays in the UAE, celebrated to mark the unification of the seven emirates in 1971. This holiday is a time for patriotic displays, with concerts, fireworks, parades, and cultural events held throughout Dubai.

Duration: 2 days
Celebrations: Parades, fireworks at landmarks like Burj Khalifa, and national celebrations.
Impact: The UAE National Day is often accompanied by long weekends, and many businesses, including government offices, close for the duration.

Eid al-Fitr (Varies, based on lunar calendar)

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This celebration is a time for family gatherings, giving charity, and enjoying festive meals. Dubai becomes vibrant with cultural events, shopping festivals, and family activities during Eid.

Duration: 3-4 days
Celebrations: Special prayers at mosques, family gatherings, and cultural events.
Impact: Businesses may close during this period, and people take the opportunity to travel or enjoy leisure activities.

Eid al-Adha (Varies, based on lunar calendar)

Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic holidays. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. This is a holiday centered around faith and sacrifice.

Duration: 3-4 days
Celebrations: Special prayers at mosques, feasts with family, and giving of charity.
Impact: Similar to Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha sees many businesses closing, and Dubai’s malls and attractions may offer special events or discounts.

Islamic New Year (Varies, based on lunar calendar)

The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, marks the start of the new lunar year in the Islamic calendar. This holiday is celebrated with religious observances, although it is less festive than Eid.

Duration: 1 day
Celebrations: Religious prayers and quiet reflections at home.
Impact: Public offices and schools may close, but the celebrations are generally low-key in comparison to Eid.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Varies, based on lunar calendar)

This holiday marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a religious observance focused on prayers, reflection, and sermons at mosques. While it’s not a highly festive holiday, it’s a time for devotion and reflection in the UAE.

Duration: 1 day
Celebrations: Religious prayers and gatherings at mosques.
Impact: Some businesses and schools may close, but there are no major public celebrations.

School and Government Vacation Periods

Summer Vacation (June to August)

The summer vacation period in the UAE is a long break for both students and government employees. The sweltering heat during these months leads many people to either travel abroad or take the time to relax at home. Dubai experiences a quieter atmosphere, as many expatriates leave for cooler destinations.

Duration: Typically 2-3 months for students, with government offices closed for a portion of this period.
Celebrations: There are no major holidays during the summer, but travel and tourism within the UAE slow down significantly.
Impact: Many businesses have reduced hours or go on summer break. It’s a great time for leisure activities, like visiting the cool indoor attractions in Dubai.

Winter Break (December to January)

The winter break in Dubai coincides with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Though Christmas is not an official public holiday, Dubai embraces the festive season, especially in its retail and hospitality sectors, where Christmas markets, decorations, and New Year’s Eve events fill the city.

Duration: 1-2 weeks
Celebrations: Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve celebrations with fireworks at Burj Khalifa, and New Year’s Day festivities.
Impact: Public offices and schools have extended holidays, and Dubai’s tourism sector sees a significant spike during this period, particularly from international tourists visiting for the Dubai Shopping Festival and New Year’s Eve events.

Vacation Periods in Dubai

In addition to the public holidays, Dubai offers several seasonal vacation periods that are popular among locals and expatriates.

Dubai Shopping Festival (January – February)

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is one of the most significant events of the year. It is not a public holiday, but it acts as a vacation period for many people who take time off to shop, attend concerts, and enjoy entertainment shows.

Duration: 1 month
Celebrations: Discounts, live entertainment, concerts, and shopping events throughout the city.
Impact: The city becomes vibrant with tourists and shoppers, and businesses in retail and hospitality thrive during this period.

Ramadan and Eid Holidays (April – May)

Ramadan is an important religious period observed with fasting, prayer, and reflection. The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, which is a public holiday. The Ramadan period itself is a unique vacation period, as many people take time off to travel or spend with family.

Duration: 1 month of Ramadan, followed by 3-4 days of Eid al-Fitr.
Celebrations: Prayers, family gatherings, and charity events during Ramadan, followed by large celebrations during Eid.
Impact: This period is quieter in terms of business activity, but it offers plenty of cultural experiences for residents and visitors.

Best Ways to Enjoy Public Holidays and Vacation Periods in Dubai

Explore Dubai’s Attractions

During the public holiday and vacation periods, Dubai offers plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions:

Visit Dubai Mall: With shopping, ice skating, an aquarium, and a virtual reality park, it’s a perfect destination during hot months.
Desert Safari: Take a break and experience the serene beauty of the desert with a safari tour.
Burj Khalifa: Visit the world’s tallest building to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

Take a Staycation

With many people traveling abroad during vacation periods, a staycation in Dubai can be a great way to relax and enjoy the luxury hotels and resorts in the city. Popular spots for staycations include Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and the Armani Hotel Dubai.

Visit Dubai’s Beaches

During the cooler months, Dubai’s beaches are ideal for relaxation, water sports, and enjoying the beautiful coastline. Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, and La Mer are some of the city’s best beaches.

The public holiday and vacation period in Dubai and the UAE offer a mix of cultural, religious, and recreational experiences. From the dazzling celebrations of National Day and Eid to the vibrant Dubai Shopping Festival, these holidays allow both locals and visitors to enjoy unique activities and experiences. Understanding the holiday schedule is essential for anyone planning to visit, invest, or work in Dubai.

For those considering Dubai as an investment destination, understanding these cultural rhythms and how they affect the real estate and tourism sectors is crucial. Valorisimo provides expert insights and exclusive investment opportunities in Dubai’s dynamic property market.