Looking to plan your trip to Dubai around Dubai’s public holidays? Here’s a guide to what to expect in 2023 in Dubai:
- New Year’s Day: 1 January 2023 (1 day)
- Eid Al Fitr: From the last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to 3 Shawwal* (approx. 20 April to 23 April 2023 – 4 days)
- Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): From 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah* (approx. 27 June to 30 June 2023 – 4 days)
- Hijri New Year: 1 Muharram* (Approx. 19 July 2023, date of observation TBC – 1 day)
- The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday: Approx. 27 September 2023, observation TBC – not always a public holiday
- Commemoration Day: 1 December 2023 (1 day)
- National Day (52nd Anniversary): 2 and 3 December 2023 (2 days)
Jump back to Previous Year: Dubai 2020 Public Holidays | Dubai 2021 Pubic Holidays | Dubai 2022 Public Holidays
*Islamic holidays are determined according to moon sightings. The date a religious holiday is observed and the public holiday declared may be two different dates, particularly if it falls on a weekend, Friday- Sunday.
Note that the weekend in the UAE changed from 1 January 2022; Government working hours are now Monday to Friday lunchtime, and the weekend is Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday.
Hijri Calendar to Gregorian Calendar
The Hijri Calendar moves forward by approximately ten days more than the Gregorian Calendar every year. There is a good translation tool here from IslamicFinder.org to understand when important days on the Hijri Calendar will translate to:
Prayer Times in Dubai
You can also check out our guide here to the daily prayer times in Dubai. There isn’t much you need to do as a non-Muslim tourist at prayer times, but it has some great tips on understanding exactly WHAT is happening and WHY.
We also share some extra pointers on how you can have a more immersive Islamic experience during your trip to Dubai.
Dubai School Holidays 2023
There is both a public (MoE) and private (international) school sector in Dubai, governed by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority). The dates they have stipulated as holidays in a three-term school year for September starting curriculums are:
Winter Break 10 December to 1 January 2023 (schools return 2 January 2022)
Spring Break 27 March to 7/14 April 2022 (International Schools/MoE Schools)
Summer Break Not before 7 July 2023 until approximately 27 August 2023*
*The end of summer break is only anticipated until formally announced by the Government.
You can learn more at khda.gov.ae
Other major events in Dubai & the UAE 2023
Here’s what’s already lined up for the 2023 Dubai Events Calendar:
- Dubai DutyFree Tennis Championship – Approx Feb, 2023 dates TBC
- Dubai World Cup – Horse racing March 2023
- Ramadan – the Holy Month from approx 22 March to 20 April 2023 – not a public holiday but month-long religious observance
- nofilterDXB – November – dates TBC
- Diwali – 12 November 2023 – with a large Indian expat community, the event is widely celebrated in the UAE
- Christmas – 25 December 2023 – not a public holiday but widely observed within the retail and hospitality sector
- New Year’s Eve – 31 December 2023 always a spectacular night of fireworks and festivities not to be missed
You can see our complete guide to the best times to visit Dubai here
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.
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