We know, we know! We’re all working from home (mostly), but holidays are always special right? Now, its another thing that we might not have any big travel plans, but, it’s always fun to look forward to spending time with family. And the good news is, 2021 has a long list of long weekends. Here’s a list of holidays to expect in the upcoming year. Start planning a short vacation or a staycation.
*Dates are subject to confirmation by respective authorities in the UAE
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1. New Year
The start of the year is not really a long weekend, but that doesn’t mean we let it go. January 1 in 2021 falls on a Friday, so unless you’re working on Fridays, its not really a long weekend. So, there’s no special holiday, but don’t let it pass by as just another weekend. Plan a short staycation and have a relaxed start to the year.
2. Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The three-day celebration marks a public holiday in the UAE. As per predictions by an astronomer, Eid Al Fir could fall on Thursday, May 13, 2021. If this is true, residents can enjoy a three-day long weekend. The exact dates will however be confirmed weeks before the the end of Ramadan.
Ebrahim Al Jarwan, member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and head of Sharjah Planetarium had said that the crescent moon, marking the month of Shawwal will be seen on 11 May 2021. However, it is not expected to be visible until Thursday, May 13.
3. Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha
Arafat Day is expected to fall on July 19, while Eid Al Dha will fall on July 20, 2021. However, these dates are subject to moon sighting. However, if predictions are true, UAE residents can enjoy a week-long break from July 19 (Monday) to July 22 (Thursday). With Friday and Saturday as weekend, this could mean a 6-day long weekend for most residents.
4. Hijri New Year
Hijri or the Islamic New Year is expected to fall on August 10 in 2021 which is a Tuesday. This could mean a mid-week holiday for residents if confirmed.
5. Commemoration Day and National Day
UAE residents will enjoy a 4-day weekend from December 1 to 3 in 2021 (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) in observation of Commemoration Day and the celebration of the 50th UAE National Day. This would mean a 4-day weekend, long enough for a short staycation or trip abroad.