Mark these dates in your diary…

Is “travel more” one of your New Year’s resolutions?

Well, planning your long weekend getaways for the year ahead just got easier, as the Abu Dhabi government has released the official list of UAE public holidays for 2018.

Remember, Islamic holidays are based on the phases of the moon, so exact dates may vary – we’ll keep you updated closer to the time when the official holiday is announced.

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January 1: New Year’s Day

Like many countries, New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the UAE, and one of three secular holidays observed in the country.

April 13 (dependent on moon): Isra’a Wal Mi’raj

This holiday marks the night that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascended to heaven. While it’s likely to fall on a Friday this year, the day off could be moved to the Thursday or Sunday.

June 14 (dependent on moon) – Eid Al Fitr

The holiday marking the end of Ramadan will last for three days in 2018, according to the Abu Dhabi government website. It’s expected to begin on a Thursday this year, so it’s likely we’ll get at least Thursday and Sunday off work.

August 20 (dependent on moon) – Arafat Day

This holiday marks the second day of the yearly pilgrimage to Haj, and will likely mean a day off. It falls on a Monday this year.

August 21 (dependent on moon) – Eid Al Adha

Honouring Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, we typically get three days off for this holiday – so combined with Arafat Day, we’ll likely get Monday through Thursday off.

September 11 (dependent on moon) – Hijri, Islamic New Year

Islamic New Year in 2018 will mark the year 1439, and is likely to fall on a Tuesday – we get one day off for this holiday.

November 20 (dependent on moon) – Milad Un Nabi

This holiday marks Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday and usually means a day off. This year, it falls on a Tuesday.

November 30 – Commemoration Day

Formerly referred to as Martyr’s Day, this holiday honours the Emiratis who have died while protecting their country. It falls on a Friday this year, which means it may be combined with National Day.

December 2 – UAE National Day

2018 will mark the UAE’s 47th birthday, celebrating the unification of the seven emirates in 1971. It falls on a Sunday this year, and the Abu Dhabi government website says it will be a two-day holiday, so it’s possible we’ll get both Sunday and Monday off.

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