The ideal time for a quick getaway…
We might be three-quarters into the year, but it’s nice to know there are still a few public holidays waiting for us in the tail end of 2024.
We’re talking about what was once called National Day, now officially known as Union Day. According to the UAE Cabinet’s holiday calendar for both public and private sectors, two days off are scheduled to celebrate the occasion—falling on December 2 and 3, a Monday and Tuesday. This means a four-day weekend for those with weekends off (apologies to the service industry).
One of the days during the break will likely be tied to Commemoration Day (formerly Martyrs’ Day), observed annually in the UAE on November 30. At 11:30 a.m., a minute of silence honors those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. In recent years, a public holiday has typically followed on December 1, though 2023 was a notable exception, despite it landing on a Friday.
In need of some travel inspo? Discover these 10 world wonders, all just a five-hour flight from the UAE. If you’re after something a bit more local, we’ve rounded up the top staycation deals happening across the country right now.
If you’re eager to get a jump on planning your 2025 holidays, the UAE Cabinet has just released the full list for next year. While some dates in the Gregorian calendar may shift depending on moon sightings to align with the Islamic calendar, all the key dates are covered.
The resolution outlining the holiday dates also grants local governments the authority to approve additional official holidays for government departments and institutions, even if they aren’t currently listed.
