Good Time to Visit
Weather
The best time to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is from October to May. It is extremely hot between June and September with little rainfall. (More details can be found in Climate in the United Arab Emirates).
Visitors are advised to bring lightweight clothing, although they may need slightly warmer clothes from November to March and for the evening.
Festivals
The Dubai Shopping Festival is a month-long event held during the first quarter of the year. During this period, shops offer deep discounts on their merchandise, daily car raffles are drawn, and fireworks light Dubai's night sky. Tourists from all around the world are lured not only for Dubai's tax free shopping, but also for all of the events that take place during the festival.
On 2 December the country celebrates the founding of the UAE; festivities can last to the following week. Throughout the year there are horse- and camel-race meets across the county.
Public Holidays
The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE):
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day |
| 2 December | National Day |
| Variable* | Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year) |
| Variable* | Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
| Variable* | Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| Variable* | Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet) |
| Variable* | Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) |