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In 1971, a lot of Emirati soldiers gave up their lives during the battle of Greater Tunb in order to unite the seven separate states into one thriving nation. This historical moment was made possible thanks to the rulers of the Emirates who signed a unification agreement to create the United Arab Emirates.

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UAE Commemoration Day 2023 date

Commemoration Day in the UAE is observed with a moment of silence on Wednesday, November 30, and celebrated as a public holiday on Thursday, December 1.

UAE Commemoration Day 2023 public holiday

While the official date for Commemoration Day is November 30, it has become customary in recent years to designate the following day as a public holiday, a practice being continued this year.

As a result, Commemoration Day marks the commencement of three consecutive days of public holidays in December. This is immediately followed by UAE National Day on December 2, with employees who typically work on Saturdays also granted a day off on December 3. For those who usually work on Sundays, they will enjoy a day off and resume work on Monday, December 5.

UAE Commemoration Day significance

Commemoration Day is an annual observance designed to acknowledge the commitment and selflessness of both the UAE’s military personnel and civilians, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their nation. The following day after Commemoration Day is UAE National Day, which signifies the historic moment when the seven emirates united to form the United Arab Emirates, led by the esteemed late Sheikh Zayed, often referred to as the Father of the UAE.