Dubai is an international city and many festivals are celebrated here both Islamic and Western. On these special festivals and events, official holidays are observed in Dubai. Among these festivals, Islamic events are especially celebrated as Islam is the major religion observed here. But along with Islamic holidays, official holidays are also observed on other major festivals like Christmas and New Year. Including all these holidays, main official holidays observed in Dubai are:
New Year
This is a holiday that is adopted from Western traditions as all western countries celebrate this day with joy and enthusiasm. This holiday is observed in Dubai for showing affiliation with other western communities living in Dubai.
Islamic New Year
On the first day of Islamic New Year, a holiday is observed in Dubai. This holiday is observed on first day of Islamic month Moharram. Moharram is the first month in an Islamic year.
Eid Milad un Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday)
On the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), an official holiday is observed all over Dubai. Birthday of Prophet is celebrated on 12th day of Islamic month Rabi ul Awal which comes at fourth place in an Islamic calendar.
Ascension of the Prophet
This is another important event which is celebrated by Muslims. This event actually marks the historical “Night Journey” made by Prophet Muhammad. It was the night when Prophet made his journey to heaven. This event is observed on 27th of Rajab, the 7th month in Islamic calendar.
Eid ul Fitr
Eid is Arabic word which means “festivity”. Eid ul Fitr is celebrated on first day of Shawal. This month comes right after the holy month of Ramadan. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasts so at the end of month they celebrate Eid as a symbol of breaking fasting period.
Eid ul Adha
This Eid is celebrated by Muslims all over the world to commemorate obedience of Prophet Ibrahim when he showed willingness to sacrifice his son for God Almighty’s wish. This event is also referred as Greater Eid and people of Dubai celebrate it with their families enjoying the taste of delicious foods.
H.H. Sheikh Zayed’s Ascension Day
On this event, people of Dubai remember the achievements of President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It was his vision which placed UAE among peak countries of world in terms of financial stability. This event is celebrated on August 6. It was the day when Sheikh Zayed rose to power.
National Day
On December 2, 1971, Dubai gained independence from British Colonial rule. So this day is celebrated as Independence Day by people Dubai. This day is celebrated as National Day with honor, pride and true patriotism.
Christmas
Christmas is not an Islamic event but it is widely celebrated in Dubai for people belonging to other communities. This festival is especially celebrated by kids who go to shops to buy Christmas trees, gifts and decorative items. Kids love taking pictures with men dressed as Santa Claus.
The main purpose of describing all these events is to make you aware of Dubai holidays so that you can plan your trip accordingly.
Arabic Guy 