New Year's Day (1 January) is a modern, widely enjoyed break in the UAE. Families and friends gather for meals, and many head to waterfronts and city centers for fireworks and celebrations. Government offices are closed, while malls and entertainment venues often run special events and extended hours.

Leilat al-Meiraj commemorates the Prophet's night journey and ascension, observed with prayers and reflection. It follows the Hijri calendar, so the date can shift with moon sighting. It is not a public holiday, and most businesses operate normally.

The start of Ramadan marks a holy month of fasting, prayer, and community in the UAE. It follows the Hijri calendar and can shift by a day depending on moon sighting. While it is not a public holiday, daily routines adjust with shorter working hours and more evening activities.

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan with morning prayers, family visits, and festive meals. It is based on the Hijri calendar, so dates may change with official moon sighting. As a public holiday, government offices and many businesses close or operate reduced hours.

The second day of Eid al-Fitr continues the celebratory mood with family gatherings, gift-giving, and community events. As a Hijri-calendar holiday, the date is confirmed by moon sighting. Many offices remain closed and leisure venues are busy.

The third Eid al-Fitr holiday keeps the festive pace, with people visiting relatives, sharing meals, and enjoying public celebrations. The date can shift because the holiday is tied to the Hijri calendar. Public services stay limited, and travel within the UAE often increases.

Arafat Day is the most sacred day of Hajj and is observed with fasting and prayer. It follows the Hijri calendar, so the date may shift with moon sighting. It is a public holiday across the UAE, with many offices closed.

Eid al-Adha honors the story of Prophet Ibrahim and is marked by prayers, family gatherings, and charitable giving. It is set by the Hijri calendar and may shift by a day depending on moon sighting. As a public holiday, government offices and many businesses close or reduce hours.

The second day of Eid al-Adha continues visits, meals, and community celebrations. Because it follows the Hijri calendar, dates are confirmed by moon sighting. Many workplaces remain closed and leisure attractions see higher demand.

The third Eid al-Adha holiday extends the festive period with family time and social visits. The date can shift based on the Hijri calendar and official moon sighting. Public services stay limited, while hospitality and retail may operate with special hours.

Islamic New Year marks the start of the Hijri calendar and is observed with reflection and quiet gatherings. The date depends on moon sighting, so it can shift by a day. It is a public holiday, and many offices close or reduce hours.

The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mawlid) is observed with prayers, sermons, and community gatherings. It follows the Hijri calendar, so the date may shift based on moon sighting. It is a public holiday with closures or reduced hours for many institutions.

Commemoration Day honors Emirati martyrs who gave their lives in service of the nation. It is observed with moments of silence, flag ceremonies, and community remembrance. It is commonly observed nationwide, though it is not always treated as a full public holiday in all workplaces.

UAE National Day (2 December) celebrates the federation’s founding in 1971 with parades, fireworks, and cultural events. It is a major nationwide public holiday, and government offices are closed. Public spaces are decorated in national colors and festivities run across the Emirates.

National Day Holiday (3 December) extends the celebrations with concerts, family outings, and public events. It is an official public holiday, so many offices remain closed and leisure venues are lively. Travel and hotel stays often peak around this period.