Jump back to Dubai 2020 Public Holidays here | Jump forward to Dubai 2022 Public Holidays here
Looking to plan your trip to Dubai around Dubai’s public holidays? Here’s a guide of what to expect in 2021 in Dubai:
- New Year’s Day: 1 January 2021 (1 day)
- Eid Al Fitr: From last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to 3 Shawwal* (approx 11 to 15 May 2021 – 4 days)
- Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): From 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah* (approx 19 to 22 July 2021 – 4 days)
- Hijri New Year: 1 Muharram* (Est 9 August in 2021, observed on 12 August 2021 – 1 day)
- The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday: Est 18 October 2021, observed on 21 October 2021
- Commemoration Day: 1 December 2021 (1 day)
- National Day (50th Anniversary): 2 and 3 December 2021 (2 days)
*Islamic holidays are determined according to moon sighting. The date a religious holiday is observed and the public holiday declared may be two different dates, particularly if it falls on a weekend Friday/Saturday.
Hijri Calendar to Gregorian Calendar
The Hijri Calendar moves forward by approximately 10 days more than the Gregorian Calendar every year. There is a good translation tool here from IslamicFinder.org to understand when important days on the Hijri Calendar will translate to:
Prayer Times in Dubai
You can also check out our guide here to the daily prayer times in Dubai. There isn’t much you need to do as a non-Muslim tourist at prayer times, but it has some great tips on understanding exactly WHAT is happening and WHY. We also share some extra pointers on how you can have a more immersive Islamic experience during your trip to Dubai.
Dubai School Holidays 2021
There is both a public (MoE) and private (international) school sector in Dubai, governed by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority). The dates they have stipulated as holidays in a three-term school year for September starting curriculums are:
Winter Break 13 to 31 December 2020 (schools return 3 January 2021)
Spring Break 28 March to 15 April 2021
Summer Break Not before 30 June 2021 until approximately 2 September 2021*
*The end of summer break is only anticipated until formally announced by the Government.
You can learn more at khda.gov.ae
Other major events in Dubai & the UAE 2021
Although, as you might expect, major events in 2021 will be hard to predict if they’ll go ahead due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic situation, here’s what’s already lined up for the 2021 Dubai Events Calendar:
- Dubai Shopping Festival – 17 December 2020 to 30 January 2021
- Taste of Dubai – 11 to 13 March 2021
- Dubai World Cup – Horse racing main event 27 March 2021
- Ramadan – the Holy Month from approx 12 April to 11 May- not a public holiday but month-long religious observance
- Expo 2020 – 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2022
- Oktoberfest – events throughout September/October for this traditional German celebration
- Diwali – 2 to 6 November 2021 – with a large Indian expat community the event is widely celebrated
- nofilterDXB – 24 to 27 November – motorshow/urban lifestyle festival
- Christmas – 25 December – not a public holiday but widely observed within the retail and hospitality sector
- New Year’s Eve – 31 December always a spectacular night of fireworks and festivities not to be missed
You can see our complete guide to the best times to visit Dubai here
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.
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