UAE reveals public holidays for 2017

The Abu Dhabi government has announced the list of public holidays in the UAE – with their expected dates – for 2017.

Federal ministries, public departments and institutions will be closed during the public holidays.

“The official reference to determine Islamic occasions, such as the beginning of Ramadan or Haj, is the Hijri Calendar. It is based on the phases of the moon. Hence, the exact dates of Islamic events vary from one Gregorian year to another as they depend on the local sightings of the moon,” the statement said.

According to the dates provided, two holidays – including the first day of Eid Al Adha and Hijri New Year’s Day – are anticipated to fall on Fridays. Prophet Mohammed’s birthday is also likely to fall on the same date as Martyr’s Day – November 30.

The listing also said that Ramadan is expected to begin on May 27 and the Hajj season on August 23.

The below dates are only indicative and should not be considered as an official announcement – public holidays are announced, by official authorities, once confirmed, the statement added.

Public Holidays in 2017

New Year: Sunday, January 1 ( 1 day)

Israa & Miaraj Night*: Monday, April 24 (1 day)

Eid Al Fitr*: Sunday, June 25 (3 days)

Arafat Day*: Thursday, August 31 (1 day)

Eid Al Adha*: Friday, September 1 (3 days)

Hijri New Year’s Day*: Friday, September 22 (1 day)

Martyr’s Day: Thursday, November 30 (1 day)

Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday*: Thursday, November 30 (1 day)

UAE National Day: Saturday, December 2 (2 days)

*All the Islamic holiday exact dates are subject to moon sighting and may differ from the date given.