GCC Public Holidays 2023: Dates and Eid Long Weekends
Start planning out those long weekends….
Residents across the region look forward to the many festivals in the Islamic calendar celebrated by Muslims throughout the year. Eid al-Fitr one of the first celebrations begins after the holy month of Ramadan, this is expected to begin around March 22, 2023, and ends around April 20, 2023. Whilst the official holiday dates are based on lunar sightings and confirmed by the moonsighting committee, these are typically announced days before. If this is the case there is a possibility of a four-day weekend for most of the region from Thursday, April 20.
Just two months after Eid al-Fitr comes Arafat Day. Set to take place on June 27, Arafat Day, the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, is directly followed by Eid al Adha or known as the Feast of Sacrifice, this is expected to be celebrated on Wednesday, June 28, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 June. Paired both holidays together this could possibly lead to a seven-day holiday, taking the weekend into consideration.
With long weekends in mind, it is never too early to start planning for your next luxury staycation and take advantage of the extra days this 2023.
Bazaar Arabia shares all the details about the upcoming private and public holidays across the GCC here…
For UAE 2023 public holiday dates, click here.
Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2023
Founding Day: Wednesday, February 22
Eid al-Fitr: Thursday, April 20; Friday, April 21st, Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23
Arafah Day: Tuesday, June 27 (Dhul Hijjah 9 potentially)
Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, June 28; Thursday, June 29; and Friday, June 30.
Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year): Friday, July 21. This year Hijri New Year falls on a Friday, there’s a possibility that this could mean a long weekend for residents in Saudi Arabia.
National Day: Saturday, September 23
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: Friday, September 29
Qatar Public Holidays 2023
National Sports Day: Tuesday, February 14
Eid al-Fitr: Thursday, April 20; Friday, April 21st, Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23
Arafah Day: Tuesday, June 27 (Dhul Hijjah 9 potentially)
Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, June 28; Thursday, June 29; and Friday, June 30.
Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year): Friday, July 21. This year Hijri New Year falls on a Friday, there’s a possibility that this could mean a long weekend for residents in Qatar.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: Friday, September 29
National Day: Qatar celebrates its National Day every December 18
Kuwait Public Holidays 2023
National Day: Sat, Feb 25
Eid al-Fitr: Thursday, April 20; Friday, April 21st, Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23
Arafah Day: Tuesday, June 27 (Dhul Hijjah 9 potentially)
Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, June 28; Thursday, June 29; and Friday, June 30.
Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year): Friday, July 21. This year Hijri New Year falls on a Friday, there’s a possibility that this could mean a long weekend for residents in Kuwait.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: Friday, September 29
Bahrain Public Holidays 2023
Eid al-Fitr: Thursday, April 20; Friday, April 21st, Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23
Arafah Day: Tuesday, June 27 (Dhul Hijjah 9 potentially)
Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, June 28; Thursday, June 29; and Friday, June 30
Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year): Friday, July 21. This year Hijri New Year falls on a Friday, there’s a possibility that this could mean a long weekend for residents in Bahrain.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: Friday, September 29
National Day: Bahrain celebrates its National Day every December 16.
Oman Public Holidays 2023
Isra’a Wal Mi’raj: Saturday, February 18
Eid al-Fitr: Thursday, April 20; Friday, April 21st, Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23
Arafah Day: Tuesday, June 27 (Dhul Hijjah 9 potentially)
Eid Al Adha: Wednesday, June 28; Thursday, June 29; and Friday, June 30
Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year): Friday, July 21. This year Hijri New Year falls on a Friday, there’s a possibility that this could mean a long weekend for residents in Oman.
Renaissance Day Tuesday, July 23
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: Friday, September 29
National Day: Oman celebrates its National Day every November 18.
*Some holiday days dates may change due to lunar moon sightings.
Lead image courtesy of Unsplash.