Public holidays in Abu Dhabi fall into two main categories: fixed-date holidays, which follow the Gregorian calendar, and Islamic holidays, which are based on the lunar Hijri calendar and vary each year depending on moon sighting.
Fixed public holidays include:
- New Year’s Day (1 January)
- Martyrs’ Day (1 December), which honours Emiratis who lost their lives in service of the nation
- UAE National Day (2 December), celebrated under the theme Spirit of the Union, marking the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971
UAE National Day commemorates the historic agreement led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, together with the rulers of the emirates, to establish the UAE on 2 December 1971.
Islamic public holidays follow the Hijri calendar and shift each year in the Gregorian calendar. These include:
- Anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), traditionally observed on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal
- Eid-al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and is confirmed following the sighting of the Shawwal moon
- Arafat Day, observed on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, when pilgrims perform the central rite of Hajj and many Muslims fast
- Eid al-Adha, celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, following Arafat Day
- Islamic New Year, marking the first day of Muharram and the beginning of the Hijri year
Dates for Islamic holidays are announced closer to the time, as they are subject to official moon sightings.
Federal ministries, public departments and government institutions are typically closed during public holidays.