Public holidays in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and across the GCC are a mixture of religious observances and days national celebration and recognition.
While public and private sectors in all countries offer holidays for occasions such as Eid, there are specific observances only recognised in certain countries.
It means that keeping track of every country’s public holiday and dates of business can be complex.
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 Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr, on the other hand are based on a lunar calendar and the date changes each year.
The guide below 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
- Gregorian New Year: January 1
- Eid Al Fitr: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
- 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.
- Founding Day 2023: February 23
- Eid Al Fitr 2023: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
- Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
- Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 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.
- National Sports Day 2023: February 14
- Eid Al Fitr 2023: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
- Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
- Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 June 30)
- National Day: December 18
Oman public holidays in 2023
- Hijri New Year (Muharram 1st)
- Prophet’s birthday (12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal)
- Isra and Miraj (27th of the month of Rajab)
- National Day (November 18-19)
- The day the Sultan assumed the reins of power in the country (January 11)
- Eid Al Fitr: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
- 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.
- Eid Al Fitr 2023: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
- Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
- Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 June 30)
- Labour Day: May 1
- 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.
- Al-Israa wal Miraaj (Prophet’s Ascension) 2023: February 18
- National Day: February 25
- National Day: February 26
- Eid Al Fitr 2023: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
- Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
- Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 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.
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