United Arab Emirates Martyrs' Day in 2024

When is Martyrs' Day?

This holiday is celebrated on 30 November. It may also be known as 'Commemoration Day'. This holiday takes places just two days before the two day UAE National Day holidays, so it is likely that extra holidays will be announced when the dates occur over a weekend.

In 2018, Martyrs' Day fell on a Friday. The public holiday stayed on a Friday with Sunday and Monday being public holidays for National Day. The official commemorations of Martyrs' Day with ceremonies held by ministries and institutions across the country took place on Thursday 29 November instead.

History of Martyrs' Day

On 19 August 2015, President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed declared that 30 November each year will be a national holiday called Martyrs’ Day to mark the sacrifice of those who died for the UAE in the line of duty.

The first Emirati martyr is understood to have been Salem Suhail Khamis who died on 30 November 1971 whilst fighting in the "battle of the Greater Tunb” against Iranian forces.

The holiday commemorates the honour and loyalty of its martyrs, in recognition of the sacrifices they made for their country, in the memory of its sons who have given their lives to keep the flag of the UAE flying high, as they performed their tasks and duties in the homeland and abroad, in the civil, military and humanitarian fields.

The holiday will be marked by national events held with the participation of all government institutions, Emiratis and residents.

The events will celebrate the pride of the nation in the values of dedication, devotion, loyalty and belonging of those who have sacrificed their lives on the battlefields and in the line of duty.