UAE National Day 2024 brings welcome news for residents: the country's last public holiday of the year is shaping up to be a four-day long weekend. With December 2 and 3 falling on a Monday and Tuesday, employees across the public and private sectors can look forward to an extended break to mark the UAE's 53rd Eid Al Etihad.
What Is UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)?
National Day — officially known as Eid Al Etihad — commemorates the historic December 2, 1971 meeting at which the Founding Fathers united the seven emirates into one nation. The event is celebrated each year on December 2, honoring the vision of the UAE's founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the leaders who built a country from a shared dream.
The official logo for the 53rd National Day centers on the Founding Fathers' gathering, and the celebration theme "Spirit of the Union" underlines the enduring values that define the UAE.
The December Long Weekend: What to Expect
Because National Day falls on Monday and Tuesday in 2024, workers with a Saturday–Sunday weekend will enjoy an unbroken four-day break from Saturday, November 30 through Tuesday, December 3. Normal work resumes on Wednesday, December 4.
Both public sector employees in ministries and federal entities, and private sector workers, are entitled to December 2 and 3 as official paid holidays, in line with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources directive.
Why This Holiday Matters
As the final public holiday on the UAE calendar before the new year, the UAE National Day long weekend is one of the most anticipated breaks of the year. Residents and visitors from across the country are expected to take part in cultural performances, concerts, parades, and fireworks displays held from December 1 through 3.
Malls nationwide will be decorated in the UAE's national colors, with special offers and events marking the occasion. Whether celebrating locally or traveling, the four-day window gives families extra time to enjoy the festivities.
Key Details at a Glance
- Holiday dates: Monday, December 2, and Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - Long weekend: Saturday, November 30 – Tuesday, December 3 (four days) - Work resumes: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - Who is covered: Public and private sector employees across the UAE - Occasion: 53rd UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
