Public holidays in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and across the GCC are a mixture of religious observances and days of national celebration and recognition.
Several holidays have already happened so far in 2023, with all Gulf countries celebrating Eid Al Fitr in April.
Saudi Arabia celebrated its Founding Day back in April, May 1 was Labour Day in Bahrain and Qatar marking National Sports Day on February 14.
Keeping track of every country’s public holiday and dates of business is not so easy, with each nation recognising different events and holidays. Occasions such as a national day of each individual country are based on a historic occasion and are observed on a set date each year, depending on the country.
Religious observances, such as the upcoming Eid Al Adha 2023, on the other hand are based on a lunar calendar and the date changes each year.
The guide below shows the public holidays expected in the rest of 2023. It is intended as a guide only, exact dates and observances are subject to change depending on moon-sighting committees and Governments in each country.
UAE public holidays in 2023
- Arafat Day: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
- Eid Al Adha: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 June 30)
- Hijri New Year: July 21
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 29
- National Day: December 2-3
Saudi Arabia public holidays in 2023
Public holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2023 represent a mixture of cultural and religious observances.
- Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
- Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 to June 30)
- Saudi Arabia National Day: September 23
Qatar public holidays in 2023
Public holidays in Qatar in 2023 represent a mixture of cultural and religious observances.
- Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
- Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 to June 30)
- National Day: December 18
Oman public holidays in 2023
- Prophet’s birthday (12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal)
- National Day (November 18-19)
- Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 27 June 30)
Bahrain public holidays in 2023
Public holidays in Bahrain in 2023 represent a mixture of cultural and religious observances.
- Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
- Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 to June 30)
- Hijri New Year: July 21
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 29
- National Day: December 16
Kuwait public holidays in 2023
Kuwait public holidays in 2023 have been announced, according to the state-run Kuwait News Agency.
- Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
- Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 to June 30)
- Hijri New Year: July 21
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 29
When holidays fall on a weekend, Friday to Sunday depending on the country in question, employers may offer a day in lieu.
Follow us on
