3-day weekend in UAE coming up this month. Last long weekend of this year

The UAE government has announced official holiday on September 29 (Friday) to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. The UAE granted equal leaves to the public and private sectors. "This decision aims to achieve a balance between the two sectors in the number of official holidays they are entitled to," the government said. Private sector employees will get Friday off as well

According to the this year's official holiday calendar, the the September 29 to October 1 would be the last long weekend in the UAE. The National Day holidays fall on December 2 and 3 — Saturday and Sunday. The National Day marks the UAE's formal nationalisation and the start of the federal unification of the emirates in 1971.

UAE's List of holidays for 2023

The UAE Cabinet granted equal leaves to the public and private sectors. This decision aims to achieve a balance between the two sectors in the number of official holidays they are entitled to. The UAE has not yet released the official holiday calendar for the year 2024.

Here is a list of public holidays for the year 2023 applicable to both public and private sectors.

Gregorian New Year: 1 January
Eid Al Fitr: From 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal* (4 days)
Arafah day and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): From 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah* (4 days)
Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year)
Prophet Mohammed's birthday: 29 September 2023
National Day: 2 and 3 December (2 days).
Islamic holidays are determined according to moon sighting.

This year, UAE residents got multiple long weekends, including a four-day one for Eid Al Fitr and a six-day break to mark Islamic holiday Eid Al Adha.