Festivities in Abu Dhabi
As of 1 January 2022, Abu Dhabi Government, has implemented a four and a half day working week and the weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
The holy month is Ramadan, which falls every year on different dates, according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
Sunrise to sunset, Muslims abstain from food, smoke, and activities considered impure. Entertainment such as live music or dancing are not permitted. Parks and shops open late.
During Ramadan, even non-Muslims are encouraged to refrain from certain activities in public such as eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum. Breaking this rule can lead to an official reprimand.
The Gregorian calendar, based on year calendar, is adopted in most working environments and official communications.
For religious holidays the reference is the Islamic calendar, based on lunar months.
By reference to the Gregorian calendar year 2023, which corresponds Islamic calendar year 1444-1445, public holidays are:
🗓️ New Gregorian Year: January 1st 2023
🗓️ Eid Al Fitr (Ramadan ending): From last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to 3 Shawwal (4 days), expected between the 20th and 23d of April 2023, to be confirmed according to the moon calendar* 🌗
🗓️ Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): From 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah (4 days), expected between the 27th and the 30th of June 2023, to be confirmed according to the moon calendar* 🌗
🗓️ Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year): 1 Muharram – expected on 21st of July 2023, to be confirmed according to the moon calendar* 🌗
🗓️ Milad Un Nabi Prophet Mohammed’s birthday (PBUH): expected on 29th of September 2023, to be confirmed according to the moon calendar* 🌗
🗓️ Commemoration Day: December 1st
🗓️ The national holiday in UAE is on December 2nd and lasts two days.
🌗 Islamic festivities may differ as the exact dates are subject to moon sighting
Opening times in Abu Dhabi
Most shops in Abu Dhabi are open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Some supermarkets in Abu Dhabi, like the Adcoops Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, are open from 8 a.m. to midnight or 24/24.
In Abu Dhabi are open 24/24 many pharmacies. For a complete list, you can see the official portal of the Government of Abu Dhabi, using the filter “Open 24 hours”.
During Ramadan, the shops are closed during the day, reopen one or two hours before sunset and stay open all night.
The restaurants are closed or offer a takeaway service during the hours of day and re-open after sunset.
For updated information, you may refer to the most popular online newspapers and official websites.
