Holidays

Holidays in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates celebrates Islamic festivals and political occasions such as its founding day in 1971, with the Feast of Sacrifice marking the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca as much a superlative as Dubai’s Independence Day celebrations.

Muslim religious festivals follow the lunar calendar and thus shift every year. Among the most important Islamic holidays are the festival of breaking the fast at the end of Ramadan and the Feast of Sacrifice.

Overview

New Year – January 1

Birthday of Prophet Mohammad – Lunar Calendar

Ascension Day of Prophet Mohammad – Lunar Calendar

Festival of Breaking the Fast one day after the end of Ramadan -Moon Calendar (3 days)

Day of Sheikh Zayed’s accession to the throne – August 6

Sacrifice Festival – Lunar Calendar (3 days)

Islamic New Year – Lunar Calendar

Foundation Day/Independence Day 1971 – December 2

Worth knowing about selected holidays

Founding Day

Foundation Day of the United Arab Emirates on Dec. 2 turns into as much of a superlative as the glitzy Persian Gulf cities themselves. Dubai in particular outdoes itself every year with even bigger, more colourful and exciting street parties.

The federation of initially six, later seven emirates into a single state in 1971 and the independence from Great Britain gained at the same time has been celebrated as a national holiday ever since. The first and long-time president of the United Arab Emirates was the Emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed. His accession to the Abu Dhabi throne in 1966 is commemorated with a separate holiday on August 6.

Fest of Breaking the Fast

For three days immediately after Ramadan, all Muslims celebrate the Fast of Breaking the Fast. It traditionally begins with a prayer at the mosque, often attended by thousands of pilgrims. Afterwards, relatives’ graves are visited in the cemetery before families and friends visit and entertain each other. Shopping malls are open and busy on these three official holidays.

It’s not all abstinence during the month of fasting either. In Abu Dhabi City, for example, a festival is held during Ramadan, with various Islamic states offering a colourful programme of entertainment in the evenings. And in private, people get together after sunset for a hearty dinner and a hookah.

Sacrifice Feast

The Feast of Sacrifice represents the most important religious festival for Muslims. It takes place at the end of the four-day pilgrimage to Mecca after. Every Muslim should make this pilgrimage at least once in his life and thus be reminded of the origins of Islam. Afterwards, there are three days of exuberant celebrations. The whole of Dubai is then in a celebratory mood, with concerts taking place in the streets and gigantic fireworks displays.

The deep meaning of the festival is symbolized by the sacrifice of animals. In the United Arab Emirates, besides sheep, cattle and goats, camels are also considered as sacrificial animals. Some of the slaughtered meat, which can be bought prepared, is donated to the needy.