The United Arab Emirates is a country that attracts both local residents and tourists from all over the world. The country is rich in historical values, cultural heritage, and also attracts attention with modern skyscrapers.
To make the most of your year in the UAE, it is important to understand how the holiday calendar works. Everyone can get more information by looking at the https://world-arabia.com/articles/navigating-the-uae-holiday-landscape-a-comprehensive-guide/.
Gregorian and Islamic calendars
The Gregorian calendar is the basis for official timekeeping in the UAE, but major Islamic events are celebrated according to the lunar calendar. Knowing these differences will help you better plan your time and participation in various activities. The main holidays in the UAE are as follows:
- New Year;
- Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr;
- Day of Araf and Eid al-Adha;
- National Day, etc.
The New Year in the UAE is celebrated on a grand scale, especially in cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Grand fireworks displays, concerts and parties attract thousands of tourists and locals.
Ramadan is a holy month. This is a time of spiritual cleansing and intense prayer. During Ramadan, most restaurants are closed during the day and nightlife comes alive with iftars.
Eid al-Fitr is a three-day holiday that begins with morning prayers and continues with family gatherings and rich food. Eid al-Adha is an important Islamic holiday. Eid al-Adha commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as a sign of devotion to God. The holiday is accompanied by animal sacrifices and the distribution of meat among the poor.
UAE National Day commemorates the unification of the seven emirates in 1971. The day is filled with patriotic events, parades, cultural shows and fireworks. Each emirate hosts celebrations that reflect unique aspects of their culture and history.