UAE public holidays: Residents could get 6-day weekend soon

[Editor's Note: This guide to expected holiday dates, first published in January, is being shared again to help UAE residents who are planning their trips for the upcoming Eid breaks.]

For those who are daydreaming of flying out — enjoying a sunset on a tropical island or going on an adventure in the snow — the expected six-day UAE weekend could just be the perfect time.

Families who are planning to maximise the next long break by travelling overseas are advised to scout for tickets and deals early as airfares usually soar by as much as 150 per cent in the run-up to big holidays.

Some experts even offered travel hacks so flyers can get the cheapest flight tickets.

Residents are in for multiple long breaks this year, including one that may last for six days. Long breaks are expected on Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, Hijri New Year, and the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.

Some of the holidays mentioned on the list are based on the Hijri Islamic calendar, and their corresponding Gregorian dates will depend on moon-sighting.

Long weekends

According to the official list, UAE residents are in for four long weekends this year.

– Eid Al Fitr: As per the Hijri calendar, the dates are from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. According to astronomical calculations, this would be from Thursday, April 20, till Sunday, April 23. Actual dates are subject to moon-sighting.

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