Tracking GCC’s public holidays in 2023: Mark your calendars

Public holidays in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the GCC are a mix of national celebration days and religious observances.

While many nations grant public and private sector vacations for events like Eid, other customs are only recognized in particular nations.

It follows that it can be difficult to keep track of each nation’s public holidays and business days.

Depending on the country, holidays like the national day are celebrated on a specific date every year and are based on historical events.

On the other hand, religious celebrations like Eid Al Adha and Eid Al Fitr are based on the lunar calendar, and the date varies every year.

The information below should only be used as a general reference; actual dates and observances may vary by country and by moon-sighting committees.

UAE

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

• Gregorian New Year: January 1
• Eid Al Fitr: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
• Arafat Day: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
• Eid Al Adha: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 June 30)
• Hijri New Year: July 21
• Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 29
• National Day: December 2-3

Saudi

Saudi Arabia’s public holidays in 2023 are a mix of cultural and religious observances.

Some public holidays in the Kingdom fall on a set date, while others are based on a lunar calendar and dates vary each year. All holidays are subject to change and official notification of dates and durations of holidays will be released by the Saudi government closer to the time.

• Founding Day 2023: February 23
• Eid Al Fitr 2023: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
• Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
• Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 June 30)
• Saudi Arabia National Day: September 23

Qatar

In 2023, Qatar’s national holidays will similarly incorporate both cultural and religious traditions.

• National Sports Day 2023: February 14
• Eid Al Fitr 2023: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
• Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
• Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 June 30)
• National Day: December 18

Oman

The days of the official holidays for 2023 are set forth in Oman’s Royal Decree No. 88/2022, which was issued by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

• Hijri New Year (Muharram 1st)
• Prophet’s birthday (12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal)
• Isra and Miraj (27th of the month of Rajab)
• National Day (November 18-19)
• The day the Sultan assumed the reins of power in the country (January 11)
• Eid Al Fitr: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
• Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 27 June 30)

Bahrain

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

• Eid Al Fitr 2023: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
• Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
• Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 June 30)
• Labour Day: May 1
• Hijri New Year: July 21
• Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 29
• National Day: December 16

Kuwait

According to the state-run Kuwait News Agency, Kuwait’s public holidays for 2023 have been announced.

The decision applies to “all ministries, government agencies, public bodies and institutions,” read a Civil Service Commission (CSC) statement, with official working hours set to resume afterwards.

• Al-Israa wal Miraaj (Prophet’s Ascension) 2023: February 18
• National Day: February 25
• National Day: February 26
• Eid Al Fitr 2023: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Expected April 20-23)
• Arafat Day 2023: Dhul Hijjah 9 (Expected June 27)
• Eid Al Adha 2023: Dhul Hijjah 10-12 (Expected June 28 June 30)
• Hijri New Year: July 21
• Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 29

Employers may provide a day in place of the holiday when it falls on the weekend, which can range from Friday to Sunday depending on the country.

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