Dubai is a bustling metropolitan city that is known for its luxurious lifestyle, incredible architecture, and vibrant culture. One of the many perks of living in Dubai is the number of public holidays it offers to its residents and visitors. In this article, we will be exploring how many public holidays Dubai has and what they signify.
What are Public Holidays?
Public holidays are days that are recognized by the government as non-working days. These holidays are usually celebrated for cultural, religious, or historical reasons. Public holidays vary from country to country, and in Dubai, there are several public holidays that are celebrated throughout the year.
How Many Public Holidays Does Dubai Have?
Dubai has a total of 14 public holidays throughout the year. These public holidays include:
- New Year’s Day
- Eid Al Fitr (two days)
- Arafat Day
- Eid Al Adha (three days)
- Hijri New Year’s Day
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- National Day (two days)
- Martyr’s Day
- Israa & Miaraj Night
- Commemoration Day
New Year’s Day:
New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st every year and marks the beginning of a new year in the Gregorian calendar. This holiday is recognized worldwide and is a time for celebration and reflection.
Eid Al Fitr:
Eid Al Fitr is an Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan (the month of fasting). This holiday is celebrated for two days and is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving.
Arafat Day:
Arafat Day is an Islamic holiday that falls on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah (the month of Hajj). This day is considered to be the most important day of Hajj and is a time for reflection and prayer.
Eid Al Adha:
Eid Al Adha is an Islamic holiday that marks the end of Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca). This holiday is celebrated for three days and is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving.
Hijri New Year’s Day:
Hijri New Year’s Day is an Islamic holiday that marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic calendar. This holiday is a time for reflection and renewal.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday:
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is an Islamic holiday that celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This holiday is a time for reflection and gratitude towards Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.
National Day:
National Day is celebrated on December 2nd every year and marks the anniversary of the formation of the United Arab Emirates. This holiday is celebrated for two days and is a time for national pride and celebration.
Martyr’s Day:
Martyr’s Day is celebrated on November 30th every year and honors the Emirati martyrs who have sacrificed their lives in service to their country.
Israa & Miaraj Night:
Israa & Miaraj Night commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he ascended to heaven.
Commemoration Day:
Commemoration Day (also known as Remembrance Day) honors Emirati soldiers who have died in service to their country. This holiday is a time for reflection and gratitude towards those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dubai has a total of 14 public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, religious, or historical significance. These holidays are a time for celebration, reflection, and gratitude towards the values that they represent. As a resident or visitor of Dubai, it’s important to be aware of these public holidays and to respect their significance to the local culture.