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If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably already mentally checked out and are somewhere on a hammock sipping mocktails with zero emails and 100% vibes. And guess what? This summer in Dubai, that dream is closer than you think. Thanks to some very well-placed public holidays in June, your annual leave is about to work overtime for you.
So buckle up, future vacationer, because we’re about to show you how to game the system (legally, of course) and turn just seven precious days of annual leave into a whopping 17 days off. Yep, it’s not a drill — and no, we didn’t do this math after a long brunch.
Round 1: Eid Al Adha + Arafat Day = A Dreamy Long Weekend
Mark your calendars (and your boss’s vacation calendar) because Eid Al Adha is bringing the party early this year. The fun kicks off with Arafat Day, followed by three days of Eid celebrations — which means a four-day public holiday is coming your way.
Expected dates:
- Thursday, June 5 – Arafat Day
- Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8 – Eid Al Adha
Boom. That’s already a 4-day weekend.
Now, here’s where it gets juicy. Throw in three sneaky days of annual leave — Monday June 2, Tuesday June 3, and Wednesday June 4 — and suddenly, you’re staring at a beautiful, uninterrupted nine-day break (June 1 to June 9). Hello beach, goodbye emails!
Round 2: Islamic New Year = Another Excuse to Escape
But wait, there’s more! The Islamic New Year is also sliding into June like it owns the place — and it’s giving you yet another chance to extend that sweet, sweet holiday vibe.
Astronomers (aka the people we now consider heroes) are predicting that the Islamic New Year, aka Muharram 1, will fall on Thursday, June 26. But depending on whether the Hijri month before it (Dhu Al Hijjah) runs 29 or 30 days, it might slide to Friday, June 27 instead.
No stress though — we’ve got both scenarios covered.
To score a 9-day break, here’s what you do:
- If the holiday lands on Thursday, June 26:
Book: Monday June 23, Tuesday June 24, Wednesday June 25, and Friday June 27 - If the holiday shifts to Friday, June 27:
Book: Monday June 23, Tuesday June 24, Wednesday June 25, and Thursday June 26
Either way, you’re cruising into another nine days of bliss, spanning June 21 to June 29. That’s another week of pure chill — thank you, lunar calendar!
Your Summer Strategy Recap
Let’s break it down like your overly enthusiastic travel buddy planning your entire itinerary on a Google Sheet:
- 3 days off (June 2–4) = 9-day break for Eid (June 1–9)
- 4 days off (June 23–27) = 9-day break for Islamic New Year (June 21–29)
- Total annual leave used: 7 days
- Total days off: 17 dreamy, glorious, life-affirming days
So, go ahead. Start dropping subtle hints to your boss (“just blocking dates early, nothing urgent!”), refresh your Skyscanner tabs, and mentally prep for your Out of Office to shine brighter than the Dubai sun.
Because this June, you’re not just taking a break — you’re mastering the art of the holiday hustle.
