upcoming long weekends in Dubai
but also ensures that you’ll be able to get back to your work in time. Let’s get started; it’s never too soon to plan your dream holiday!!Have a Look at the 2024 Holidays in Dubai
| Date | Holiday | Days |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Monday |
| April 8 to April 10 | Eid Al Fitr | Monday to Wednesday |
| June 15 to June 18 | Arafat Day (1 day) and Eid Al Adha (3 days) | Saturday to Wednesday |
| July 8 | Al Hijri (Islamic New Year) | Monday |
| September 15 | Birthday of Prophet Mohammad | Sunday |
| December 1 | Commemoration Day | Sunday |
| December 2 and 3 | UAE National Day | Monday and Tuesday |
Did you know the UAE recently changed its weekend from Friday – Saturday to Saturday – Sunday? This move came in line with the UAE Government’s vision to keep up with the global markets. Please note that the above public holidays have been announced by the UAE cabinet. When it comes to Islamic or religious holidays such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year and Prophet’s Birthday, there will be slight variations with regards to dates, as they are completely based on the local moon sightings.
Getaway Ideas for the Upcoming Holidays
We’ve included two options for each holiday means you can easily pick the one that is most ideal to plan your short breaks from Dubai.
1.New Year’s Day (Monday, January 1)
- In & around the UAE: Whether you want to kick off your New Year on an energetic note or just want the whole day to get over the hangover of your wild New Year’s Eve party, there are plenty of options to spend the New Year just the way you want. As the one-month-long DSF (Dubai Shopping Festival) has already begun, you can set out to discover some unbelievable shopping deals or make your way to Dubai’s newest attractions like the Museum of the Future, Madame Tussauds Dubai, and Sky Views Dubai. You can even drive outside of Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, or the more scenic Fujairah. Luckily, these places are less than two hours’ drive away from Dubai.
- Fly to Destination: With the New Year being an extension of the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), you can convert this holiday into a long weekend, allowing you to get away to a far-flung place for your much-deserved New Year break.
Where to Visit: Burma (Myanmar)
Travel time from Dubai: Approximately 5.5 hours
Why you should visit: A blend of new attractions, age-old settlements, and out-of-the-world natural landscapes make this a great destination to start your New Year. Immerse yourself in its white sandy beaches, take an exciting hot air balloon ride over the ancient city of Bagan, and discover the mysterious secrets of Chin State, among others.
2. Eid Al Fitr (Monday to Wednesday, April 8 to April 10)
- In & Around the UAE: It’s the perfect time to take in all the grand festivities as part of the Eid in Dubai celebration. You can also plan an exciting road trip from Dubai. Visit Khasab in Oman, which is about 200 kilometers away and easy to reach with a less than three-hour drive from the city. A must-experience here is a cruise aboard a traditional Omani dhow; this will sail you down the calm waters along the Musandam peninsula, giving you the ultimate chance to see the region’s rugged mountains, fjords, and underwater marine creatures (including dolphins) from a refreshing perspective.
- Fly to Destination: Travel to a place full of culture, history, and breathtaking natural phenomenon.
Where to Visit: Azerbaijan
Travel time from Dubai to Oslo: Approximately Three Hours
Azerbaijan, dubbed the land of fire, is more than its capital city, Baku. It is worth traveling for its perfect coalescence of historical, cultural, scenic, and modern places of interest dotted all over the country. There are mythical sky-high mountain hamlets, astonishing mud volcanoes (of Gobustan), and eternal flames, among others, to fill your Eid Al Fitr getaway.
3. Arafa Day and Eid Al Adha (Saturday to Wednesday, June 15 to June 18)
- In & Around UAE: Things to do in Dubai during long Eid Al Adha holidays are aplenty, thanks to many Eid exclusive activities and summer events. But if you really wish to get away from all, why not take a trip to Salalah (in Oman) by road? Being the onset of the monsoon or Khareef season, it’s also the best time to visit Salalah. You’ll get to admire the serene, cool greenery of the region in its true splendor.
- Fly to Destination: With five days (including Saturday and Sunday), you can venture away to a faraway place during your much-awaited Eid break. With summer heat taking over the city, we suggest you flying to a cool, exotic destination.
Where to Visit: Norway
Travel time from Dubai to Oslo: Approximately seven hours
Why you should visit: This Scandinavian country is a great destination to escape Dubai’s summer heat. You can look forward to indulging in some exciting yet refreshing experiences. Stay in a traditional fisherman’s cabin built on stilt along the stunning Norwegian coastline, go on a hiking trip to marvel at the region’s unspoiled nature, visit its stunning coastline, and, of course, admire its awe-inspiring fjords with an unforgettable cruise.
4. Islamic New Year (Monday, July 18)
- In & Around the UAE: This holiday falls on a Monday, allowing you to have a long weekend. Consider a staycation with some amazing summer deals, or plan an exciting weekend getaway from Dubai during these holidays. Take an adventure trip to the UAE’s highest mountain (at Jebel Jais) or set out to explore Abu Dhabi’s leisure hub, Yas Island.
- Fly to Destination: As the summer is still intense in Dubai, why not plan a high-altitude escape?
Where to Visit: Sapa, Vietnam
Travel time from Dubai: Approximately seven hours
Why you should visit: Agreed, it’s summer in Sapa. Contrary to the UAE’s intense heat, it’s a great time to discover its mountainous regions, scintillating waterfalls, verdant valleys, and terraced rice fields. The weather in this part of Vietnam will be pleasant, ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Add to this great food, fantastic events, and exciting activities; you’ve got everything here for an exciting mini-break.
5. Prophet’s Birthday (Sunday, September 15)
- In & Around the UAE: Try something unique or exotic during this long weekend. Make your way to Abu Dhabi’s stunning mangroves or set out to explore some unique islands, such as Dalma Island and Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s largest island and known for its Arabian Wildlife Park.
- Fly to Destination: What if the New Year falls on Sunday (it may vary depending on the moon sighting)? You can choose a destination rich in culture, history, and nature.
Where to Visit: Georgia
Travel time from Dubai: Less than four hours
Why you should visit: A trip to Georgia is not all about its ancient history and culture and the mighty Caucasus mountains. It’s also a great place to breathe in the fresh air, appreciate classic monasteries, explore authentic wine regions, and savor delicious Georgian cuisine.
6. Commemoration Day & National Day (Sunday to Tuesday, December 1 to December 3)
- In & Around the UAE: There are many places to visit in Dubai this weekend. After all, this is the time when most of the region’s seasonal attractions open and become active, such as Global Village Dubai, Miracle Garden Dubai, and Dubai Garden Glow with Dinosaur Park.
- Fly to Destination: Club commemoration day and national day holidays with the weekend, and you’ll get a total of four days. This allows for a relaxing break at an exotic destination.
Where to Visit: We have two options at your disposal: Armenia and Kazakhstan. Choose one that matches your preferences.
Travel time from Dubai: They are within a four-hour flight from Dubai.
Why you should visit:
Each of these destinations is unique and promises an unforgettable getaway.- With its untouched landscape, scenic mountain villages, and rich cultural heritage, a visit to Armenia makes for a refreshing break from your daily grind.
- Kazakhstan is still one of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets, where you can immerse yourself in its astonishing biodiversity, soaring mountains, fascinating history, and unrivaled sights.
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Conclusion
As we wish you a great year ahead, we hope that this ultimate compilation of inspiring holiday ideas (both within and outside of the UAE) will be of great help in planning your upcoming long weekends in Dubai.
Are all the popular attractions open during these long weekends?
Yes, all the popular Dubai attractions will remain open during these long weekends and holidays. In fact, many of them remain open for longer hours on holidays.
Thank you for the list. This makes it easier to plan holidays in advance.
We are glad that we could be helpful. Do plan your holiday to Dubai during one of these long weekends and have a great time.
I live and work in Qatar and want to visit Dubai during one of the long weekends. Do I need a visa to enter the UAE?
If you are a citizen of Qatar, you do not need a visa to enter the UAE, as you are a part of the GCC, i.e., Gulf Cooperation Council. However, if you are an expat from a country that needs visa to enter the UAE, you will have to apply for one beforehand.
If I am visiting Dubai for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, which is the place I should not miss?
While there are several amazing celebrations happening around the city, the Burj Khalifa fireworks is something you should not miss when in Dubai.
I am planning to visit Dubai during the Eid Al Fitr weekend. Will it be crowded during this time? Should I do my hotel reservations in advance?
It is a great time to visit Dubai, as many things are happening during this time. Yes, it would be best to do your bookings in advance, as people from nearby cities and countries are likely to visit Dubai during this weekend.
Interesting and useful post to plan a holiday from Dubai. You have provided the reason to visit the countries, but I feel you’ve missed to state the best time to visit.
I am planning to visit Bhutan in the first week of May when Eid Al Fitr holidays are on. Is it the right time to visit Bhutan?
Which country is the best out of those listed here to visit in the second week of July since I want to make the most of the Eid Al Adha holidays that fall on July 9 to 12?