The new year is approaching, and the excitement of ushering in 2023 is thick in the air. One of the first things we look for in a new year is where the holidays are positioned so that we can save the date for an outing. The same is true for any destination on your travel wish list that you decide to visit in 2023. If Dubai is on your 2023 travel list, be it for leisure, study, work or business, you should be aware of the national and public holidays so that you can plan ahead of time as desired. As of now, the UAE has announced tentative dates of public holiday. You can find the same below and use it as a guide to learn about public holidays in Dubai in 2023.
Check out the List of Dubai public holidays in 2023
New Year’s Day – 01 January 2023, Sunday
New Year’s Day is the first holiday of the year, which the UAE, like the rest of the world, observes. This falls on Sunday, 01 January in 2023. The holiday is essential for recouping from the excitement of New Year’s Eve and preparing for 2023. Following this, there are no public holidays for the next few months. The second public holiday falls in April, at the end of the cooler months in Dubai.
Eid-Al-Fitr – 20 to 23 April 2023, Thursday – Sunday
Ramadan is observed in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which falls around March in 2023. Its beginning and end dates changes every year. In 2023, it is likely to be between mid-March and mid-April. The holy month of Ramadan is the fasting period for Muslims and is not a public holiday, but rather a period of time when activity in Dubai and the rest of the UAE is restricted and local customs must be observed by visitors, such as not eating in public before sunset. The end of Ramadan fasting is marked by Eid Al Fitr, and the day is spent in celebration. The celebration is expected to last three days in 2023, from April 20 to April 23. It is one of the most well-known and significant public holidays in Dubai.
Arafat Day – 27 June 2023, Tuesday
The next public holiday is in June 2023 on the occasion of Arafat Day. Also known as the Haj Day, Arafat Day falls on 27 June in 2023. The Arafat day is of great importance in Islamic destinations especially for those going on Haj pilgrims.
Eid Al Adha -28 to 30 June 2023, Wednesday – Friday
The next set of public Dubai holidays 2023 will be from June 28 to June 30, 2023, when the whole country will observe Eid Al Adha. In Dubai, the holiday is celebrated with special prayers in mosques and gatherings with family and loved ones. These are long-awaited holidays for non-Muslims to get away from work and city life and enjoy the variety of experiences Dubai has to offer.
Islamic New Year – 19 July 2023, Wednesday
The Islamic New Year is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, which falls on July 19, 2023. This day, also known as Hijri New Year, finds Dubai in a festive mood, with the city aglow with illuminations and fireworks.
Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday – 27 September 2023, Wednesday
The next public holiday is in the month of September for the Prophet Mohammad’s birth day. Since the day is ascertained with a lunar calendar, it always varies year to year when charted in the Gregorian calendar. It falls on 27 September, a Wednesday in 2023.
Commemoration Day – 01 December 2023, Sunday
The United Arab Emirates celebrates its Commemoration Day on 1st of December every year. On this day, the country comes together to honour its brave soldiers, fallen heroes, and martyrs who helped protect the country. The country observes a minute of silence on this day to remember the brave hearts and their sacrifice.
UAE National Day – 02 and 03 December 2023, Monday – Tuesday
The days following commemoration day is signified as UAE National Day. This is held on 02 and 03 December every year. The day signifies the union of the UAE’s seven emirates. The country was officially formalised as a nation on 02 December, 1971, with six emirates. Ras Al Khaimah joined as the seventh emirate a year later in 1972. The Commemoration Day, along with the UAE National Day, is one of the longest official holidays for UAE residents. While Commemoration Day has a solemn atmosphere, UAE National Day is quite the opposite. Dubai is decked out in UAE flag colours for National Day, and the skies are peppered with vibrant fireworks.
This would be the last set of official holidays in the UAE. After this, there are no holidays that are public leaves for the working class. In all, the UAE has a handful of public official holidays, with the last set ending in early December. The emirate’s atmosphere, however, begins to dramatically change at the beginning of December, and even though there are no more official holidays, the mood is set for a prolonged celebration that will include the Dubai Shopping Festival, Christmas celebrations, and New Year’s Eve.
Activities to do during Public Holidays
The city of Dubai bursts with energy, enthusiasm, and activities during the public holidays. There are myriads of things to do in Dubai during these public holidays. Right from going on a desert safari in Dubai to enjoying the numerous theme parks and shopping at the malls and souks, you are spoilt for choice in this city. The only downside is that most popular places will be crowded during public holidays. But this is also a great time to enjoy the vibe and revelry of the city.
Suggested Read: Enjoy New Year Party 2023 in Dubai Desert Safari
Conclusion
That sums up the official Dubai holiday schedule for 2023. Dubai, as an Islamic emirate, recognises only Islamic religious holidays as public holidays apart from the national holidays. Although many festivals, such as Christmas, are passionately celebrated in the emirate , they are not recognised as a public or official holiday in Dubai. While the locals will have their own celebrations during Dubai public holidays, tourists and expats can use them to take long or short breaks from their normal lives. With these holidays in mind, you can adjust and plan your year ahead if you live in Dubai or have a chance to visit the emirate in 2023.
