The following list shows the public holidays in the UAE for the year 2014. The official reference to determine Islamic occasions, such as the beginning of Ramadan or Haj, is the Hijri Calendar. It is based on the phases of the moon. Hence, the exact dates of Islamic events vary from one Gregorian year to another as they depend on the local sightings of the moon.
Federal ministries, public departments and institutions are closed during the public holidays listed below. During the Holy Month of Ramadan in particular, life changes considerably in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Whereas many restaurants and shops remain closed during the day, the streets and malls are vibrating with liveliness far into the night. The office hours during Ramadan are reduced by two hours daily. The end of Ramadan is marked by the three-day Eid Al Fitr.
On December 2nd of each year, streets and buildings across the country are lit up and decorated to celebrate the founding of the union of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE National Day is accompanied by a series of events and programmes lasting several days.
Public Holidays in 2014
Occasion | Gregorian Year 2014 | Hijri Year 1435 | Holiday Duration |
New Year | 1 Jan 2014 | 1 | |
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday* | 13 Jan 2014 | 12 Rabi' Al-Awwal | 1 |
Israa & Miaraj Night* | 26 May 2014 | 27 Rajab | 1 |
Ramadan expected to begin* | 29 Jun 2014 | 1 Ramadan | 0 |
Eid Al Fitr* | 28 Jul 2014 | 1 Shawwal | 3 |
Arafat Day* | 3 Oct 2014 | 9 Dhu Al-Hijjah | 1 |
Eid Al Adha* | 4 Oct 2014 | 10 Dhu Al-Hijjah | 3 |
Hijri New Year's Day* | 25 Oct 2014 | 1 Muharram 1436 | 1 |
UAE National Day | 2/3 Dec 2014 | 2 |