UAE: Private and public sector holidays Nov. 30-Dec. 3

Event

The UAE will observe Commemoration Day on November 30, the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi​) on November 30, and National Day on December 2. Consequently, public sector employees will receive a four-day weekend from Thursday, November 30, through Sunday, December 3, and private sector employees will have a minimum three-day weekend from November 30 through Saturday, December 2. Public and private sector service disruptions, including transportation disruptions, are expected throughout the country during the holiday period.

Context

The UAE celebrates Commemoration Day annually on November 30 in recognition of the service of Emirati soldiers and other civil or humanitarian service members killed in action.

The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (or Mawlid Al-Nabi) is celebrated on the 12th day of the month of Rabi Al-Awwal throughout many Muslim-majority countries.

National Day in the UAE is celebrated each year on December 2 in observance of the independence and unification of the Trucial States, a former British protectorate which now comprises the UAE, on December 2, 1971.

Advice

Individuals in the UAE are advised to expect public and private sector service disruptions during the holiday period and to confirm travel plans.