The UAE work week is Monday through Friday for government entities (changed from Sunday-Thursday in 2022). The private sector may still follow Sunday-Thursday in some cases. Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday) follow the Hijri calendar and exact dates are confirmed shortly before by moon sighting.
Public holidays in the UAE are a mix of fixed Gregorian dates, such as UAE National Day (December 2-3), and Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Islamic New Year, which follow the lunar Hijri calendar. Because the Hijri calendar is roughly 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Islamic holiday dates shift earlier each year, and the UAE government typically confirms the exact dates only a few days in advance based on moon sighting.
See how holidays affect each month's working day count:
Why do UAE Islamic holiday dates change every year?
The Hijri lunar calendar used for Islamic holidays is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, so dates like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha shift earlier each year relative to the standard calendar.
Is UAE National Day a multi-day holiday?
Yes, UAE National Day is typically observed over two days, December 2 and 3, commemorating the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.
How far in advance are UAE Islamic holiday dates confirmed?
The UAE government typically confirms the exact date of Eid holidays only a few days beforehand, once the relevant moon sighting has been officially verified.
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