Abu Dhabi Public Holidays 2011/2012

Many Abu Dhabi Public Holidays and Festivals are based on the sighting of the moon rather than having fixed dates in the Hijra Calendar. This means that many holidays are confirmed as late as 24 hours before.

However its still a good idea to pencil in the guideline key dates listed below when planning your year.

The Hijra year (the Islamic year consisting of 354 or 355 days divided into 12 lunar months) started in 622AD when Prophet Muhammed migrated (hijra) from Mecca to AL Madinah.

2011 Public Holidays UAE

1 Jan 2011	International New Year (1 day)
15 Feb 2011	Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday* (1 day)
29 Jun 2011	Israa & Miaraj Night* (1 day)
1 Aug 2011	Ramadan expected to begin* (29/30 days)
30 Aug 2011	Eid Al Fitr * (3 days)
5 Nov 2011	Arafat (Haj) Day* (1 day)
6 Nov 2011	Eid Al Adha* (3 days)
2/3 Dec 2011	UAE National Day (2 days)
7 Dec 2011	Hijri New Year's Day* (1 day)

*date based on the siting of the moon.

2012 Public Holidays UAE

1 Jan 2012	International New Year (1 day)
4 Feb 2012	Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday* (1 day)
17 Jun 2012	Israa & Miaraj Night* (1 day)
20 Jul 2012	Ramadan expected to begin* (29/30 days)
19 Aug 2012	Eid Al Fitr * (3 days)
25 Oct 2012	Arafat (Haj) Day* (1 day)
26 Oct 2012	Eid Al Adha* (3 days)
2/3 Dec 2012	UAE National Day (2 days)
15 Nov 2012	Hijri New Year's Day* (1 day)

*date based on the siting of the moon.

For UAE Holidays 2013, click here.

For a listing of the UAE National Holidays for 2014, click here.

For a listing of the 2015 National Holidays, click here.

Muslim Calendar Festivals and Events

Ramadan - the holy month that commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet. Click here for more on Ramadan.
Eid Al Fitr – the breaking of the fast marking the end of Ramadan
Arafat - the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and the day before Eid al Adha. Named after the geographical area Arafa where the Prophet gave his Farewell Sermon.
Eid Al Adha – the sacrifice which marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca
Mawlid Al Nabee – holiday celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday
Lailat Al Mi’raj – the prophets ascension into heaven
Ashura - commemorates the death in battle of the Prophet’s grandson, Imam Husain