UAE official holidays: Citizens may soon enjoy a 6-day weekend

For those who are daydreaming of flying out — enjoying a sunset on a tropical island or going on an adventure in the snow — the expected 6-day UAE weekend could just be a perfect time.

Families who are planning to maximize the next long break by traveling overseas are advised to scout for tickets and deals early as airfares usually soar by as much as 150% in the run-up to big holidays.

Some experts even offered travel hacks so flyers can get the cheapest flight tickets.

Residents are in for multiple long breaks this year, including one that may last for 6 days. Long breaks are expected on Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, and Eid Al Adha, Hijri New Year.

Some of the holidays mentioned on the list are based on the Hijri Islamic calendar, and their corresponding Gregorian dates will depend on moon-sighting.

Long weekends

According to the official list, UAE residents are in for four long weekends this year.

Eid Al Fitr:

As per the Hijri calendar, the dates are from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. According to astronomical calculations, this would be from Thursday, April 20, till Sunday, April 23. Actual dates are subject to moon-sighting.

Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha:

This will most likely offer a 6-day break — the longest next year. The break is likely to be from Tuesday, June 27, to Friday, June 30. If this is indeed the case, those with Saturday-Sunday off get a 6-day weekend.

Hijri New Year:

July 21 is a Friday. This translates into a three-day weekend for those with Saturday-Sunday off.