The UAE has 15 public holidays in a calendar year, which are not included in the minimum paid leave entitlement and are taken in addition to annual leave. The following are national holidays in the UAE:
Gregorian New Year: January 1
Eid Al Fitr: From 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal* (4 days), the specific days fluctuate each year
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha: From 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah* (4 days), the specific days fluctuate each year
Islamic New Year: 1 Muharram – August or July; the specific day fluctuates each year
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday: October; the specific day fluctuates each year
Commemoration Day: December 1
National Day: December 2 and 3
*Islamic holidays are determined according to moon sightings.