List of 13 public holidays in United Arab Emirates for 2027, including New Year's Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr Holiday and more.
The UAE's holiday culture is a vibrant blend of Islamic traditions and modern international celebrations. Major holidays like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the UAE National Day see the country transform with dazzling fireworks, family gatherings, and community events that reflect its rich heritage and ambitious future.
Expect significant closures of government offices and some businesses during Islamic holidays. While major malls and tourist attractions usually stay open, public transport may run on reduced schedules. Traffic around major mosques and celebration hubs like Burj Khalifa increases significantly, and hotel prices often peak during these periods.
During Ramadan and major Eid holidays, business activities slow down considerably. It is crucial to avoid scheduling important meetings during these times. If you do meet, show respect by acknowledging the holiday; during Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours to honor local customs.
Visit between November and March to enjoy pleasant weather and the spectacular National Day celebrations on December 2nd. If you prefer to avoid crowds and high prices, avoid the Eid holidays, which follow the lunar calendar and shift every year.
The most common greetings are 'Eid Mubarak' during Eid celebrations and 'Ramadan Kareem' or 'Ramadan Mubarak' at the start of the holy month. For National Day, 'Happy National Day' or the Arabic 'Yawm al-Watani' are appropriate.