What is Commemoration Day and do we get a public holiday?

The UAE marks Commemoration Day tomorrow, November 30… 

Commemoration Day (previously known as Martyrs’ Day), is marked annually on November 30 to honour the Emiratis who died while serving their country.

It came into effect in 2015, when HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then-president of the UAE, stated that the day would become an annual public holiday to honour the UAE’s martyrs.

The holiday was announced for November 30 to commemorate the death of Salem Suhail Khamis, who died on the same date in 1971 and is thought to be the first Emirati killed in military service since the formation of the UAE that year.

How is it celebrated?

Commemoration Day in the UAE is marked by a minute’s silence on November 30 at 11.30am.

In previous years, Commemoration Day has also been celebrated with a paid public holiday on December 1. However, this year no public holiday has been announced by the authorities.

Immediately after this, the UAE celebrates Union Day (previously known as National Day) with a public holiday on December 2 and 3.

When is the next public holiday?

Although we’re not getting Commemoration Day as a public holiday this year, both the public and private sector will enjoy a a three-day weekend for UAE National Day.

All employees will be off from Saturday, December 2 to Monday, December 4 and will return to work on Tuesday, December 5. Private schools, nurseries and universities in Dubai as well as public sector employees will have a remote learning/working day on Friday, December 1.

What is Union Day?

UAE Union Day (previously known as National Day) is marked annually to celebrate the formation of the UAE in 1971.

In 2023, the UAE is celebrating 52 years since its formation in 1971. Apart from the UAE decked up in colours of the UAE flag (red, green, white and black) across the country, the 52nd UAE Union Day will be celebrated on Sunday December 2, 2023, and this year will see celebrations hosted at Expo City Dubai.

The UAE has also announced a list of public holidays in 2024. Get out your 2024 diary and slot in the dates now.