Dubai public holidays
When the UAE celebrates, and how it shapes your visit, dates, closures and the upside.
Dubai public holidays overview
When the UAE celebrates, and how it shapes your visit, dates, closures and the upside. This introduction explains the main choices, trade-offs and next steps for Dubai public holidays. This guide is organised to support a real travel decision, with the most useful context placed before secondary detail. Use it to understand the location or topic, identify likely costs and timing, and recognise the choices that depend on season, group profile or personal priorities rather than a universal answer. The detailed sections below provide the supporting specifics, while this introduction helps you approach them with a clear sense of what matters most.
To continue planning, explore Dubai travel guides, things to do in Dubai, Dubai tours and experiences, or Dubai trip planner. Use the guide for orientation, then recheck date-specific opening hours, entry rules, transport and prices close to travel before finalising the day. If anything remains unclear after reading the detailed page, request a written answer before making a decision based on an assumption.
Quick answer
The UAE's main public holidays are New Year (Jan 1), Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday, and National Day (Dec 2 to 3). Islamic holidays shift ~11 days earlier yearly and are moon confirmed. Attractions stay open; some government offices close.
Fixed date holidays
New Year's Day (Jan 1), Commemoration Day (Dec 1) and National Day (Dec 2 to 3) are fixed. National Day is spectacular, fireworks, air shows and city wide celebrations well worth timing a visit around.
Islamic (moving) holidays
Eid Al Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year and the Prophet's Birthday follow the lunar calendar, moving ~11 days earlier each year and confirmed close to the date by moon sighting. Exact dates are announced by the government.
What's open
Tourist attractions, malls, restaurants and tours run through holidays, often with special events and extended hours. Banks and government offices close; some areas get very busy during Eid as residents celebrate.
The traveller's upside
Holidays mean festivities: Eid brings shopping promotions and events; National Day brings shows and fireworks; New Year delivers world class fireworks at the Burj Khalifa. Book hotels early around these peaks.
Related guides
FAQs
What are the public holidays in Dubai?
New Year, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday, Commemoration Day (Dec 1) and National Day (Dec 2 to 3).
Do shops and attractions close on holidays?
No, malls, attractions, restaurants and tours stay open, often with special events; banks and government offices close.
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan moves ~11 days earlier each year and is confirmed by moon sighting, check the current year's announced dates before booking.
Is Dubai busy during Eid?
Yes, Eid is a major celebration with events, promotions and crowds; book hotels and popular restaurants well ahead.
Is National Day worth seeing?
Very, Dec 2 to 3 brings fireworks, air shows and city wide celebrations, one of the best times to feel Emirati national pride.
Official information sources
Rules, operating conditions and government charges can change. Check the official sources below for the latest information before payment or travel.