Public holidays 2023: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait dates revealed

Governments and leaders declared extended holidays and, with careful planning and use of weekends, people in some countries in the Middle East were able to have as many as nine days off by using only one day of annual leave.

Public holidays in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and across the GCC are a mixture of religious observances and days of national celebration and recognition.

Several holidays have already happened so far in 2023, with all Gulf countries celebrating Eid Al Fitr in April and Eid Al Adha in June. Saudi Arabia celebrated its Founding Day back in April, May 1 was Labour Day in Bahrain and Qatar marking National Sports Day on February 14.

Keeping track of every country’s public holiday and dates of business is not so easy, with each nation recognising different events and holidays. Occasions such as a national day of each individual country are based on a historic occasion and are observed on a set date each year, depending on the country.

The guide below shows the public holidays expected in the rest of 2023. It is intended as a guide only, exact dates and observances are subject to change depending on moon-sighting committees and Governments in each country.

UAE public holidays in 2023

According to a post shared by the government in November, the following is the full list of holidays in the UAE for the rest of the year:

• Hijri New Year: July 21
• Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 29
• National Day: December 2-3

Saudi Arabia public holidays in 2023

Public holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2023 represent a mixture of cultural and religious observances.

• Saudi Arabia National Day: September 23

Qatar public holidays in 2023

Public holidays in Qatar in 2023 represent a mixture of cultural and religious observances.

• National Day: December 18

Oman public holidays in 2023

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued a Royal Decree No 88/2022 specifying the days of official holidays for 2023.

• Prophet’s birthday (12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal)
• National Day (November 18-19)

Bahrain public holidays in 2023

Public holidays in Bahrain in 2023 represent a mixture of cultural and religious observances.

• Hijri New Year: July 21
• Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 29
• National Day: December 16

Kuwait public holidays in 2023

Kuwait public holidays in 2023 have been announced, according to the state-run Kuwait News Agency.

• Hijri New Year: July 21
• Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 29

When holidays fall on a weekend, Friday to Sunday depending on the country in question, employers may offer a day in lieu.