The United Arab Emirates (UAE) observes a blend of cultural, religious, and national holidays every year. Among these, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Bakra Eid) are the most celebrated Islamic occasions, bringing together communities in prayer, charity, and festivity. For 2024, the confirmed and predicted dates provide residents with several long weekends and extended breaks.
UAE Public Holidays 2024
Eid al-Fitr 2024 in the UAE
Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Islamic calendar. In 2024, Ramadan is expected to begin on Monday, March 11, with Eid al-Fitr likely to fall on Wednesday, April 10.
If this prediction is accurate, UAE residents could enjoy a nine-day weekend thanks to the combination of the official holiday period (Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3) and the weekends before and after.
Predicted Eid al-Fitr holiday dates:
- Tuesday, April 9 – Eid al-Fitr holiday
- Wednesday, April 10 – Eid al-Fitr
- Thursday, April 11 – Eid al-Fitr holiday
- Friday, April 12 – Eid al-Fitr holiday
This extended break is expected to be one of the longest public holiday stretches in 2024.
Bakra Eid (Eid al-Adha) 2024 in the UAE
Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. In return, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. The occasion is marked with prayers, the sacrifice of livestock, and distribution of meat among family, friends, and the needy.
In the UAE, Bakra Eid will fall in June 2024:
- Saturday, June 15 – Arafat Day
- Sunday, June 16 – Eid al-Adha (Bakra Eid)
- Monday, June 17 – Eid al-Adha holiday
- Tuesday, June 18 – Eid al-Adha holiday
This will provide residents with a four-day break, making it another major highlight of the year’s holiday calendar.
Other Important UAE Holidays 2024
Apart from the two Eids, residents can look forward to several other important holidays:
- Monday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
- Sunday, July 7 – Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
- Sunday, September 15 – Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday
- Monday, December 2 – UAE National Day
- Tuesday, December 3 – UAE National Day holiday
Why These Holidays Matter
These holidays are more than just time off work. They are moments of cultural pride and spiritual reflection:
- Eid al-Fitr celebrates faith, fasting, and gratitude.
- Bakra Eid emphasizes sacrifice, compassion, and sharing.
- National Day marks the unity of the seven emirates in 1971, symbolizing the UAE’s journey of progress.
Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates, families come together, communities engage in cultural events, and tourists get a glimpse of Emirati traditions.
Conclusion
With Bakra Eid 2024 on June 16 and Eid al-Fitr 2024 on April 10, UAE residents can look forward to extended weekends and festive gatherings. Alongside National Day, Islamic New Year, and the Prophet’s birthday, these holidays reflect the country’s unique cultural and religious diversity.
Nera News will continue to provide updates on official announcements, holiday schedules, and related news from across the UAE.
