Public Holidays in Yemen 2024
Yemen observes several public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, or religious significance. These holidays provide opportunities for Yemenis to celebrate their heritage, observe religious traditions, and come together as a community. Here is a comprehensive list and description of public holidays in Yemen for the year 2024.
National Public Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1st
Description: New Year’s Day in Yemen marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. While not widely celebrated in Yemen, some urban areas may have small gatherings or events to commemorate the occasion.
Unity Day – May 22nd
Description: Unity Day in Yemen commemorates the unification of North and South Yemen on May 22, 1990. It is a significant national holiday, celebrating the end of decades of division and the creation of the Republic of Yemen. Unity Day is marked by patriotic ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the country.
Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) – Date varies
Description: Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important religious holidays in Islam, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and acts of charity. In Yemen, Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion, with families coming together to share meals and exchange gifts.
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) – Date varies
Description: Eid al-Adha is another major Islamic holiday, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of animals, and the distribution of meat to those in need. Eid al-Adha is a time for reflection, gratitude, and community bonding in Yemen.
Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) – Date varies
Description: Mawlid al-Nabi is the observance of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. While the exact date varies based on the Islamic lunar calendar, it is typically celebrated with religious gatherings, readings of the Quran, and special prayers. Mawlid al-Nabi is a time to honor the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad in Yemen.
National Day – September 26th
Description: National Day in Yemen commemorates the Yemeni Revolution of 1962, which ended the rule of the Imamate and established the Yemen Arab Republic. It is a day to celebrate Yemen’s independence and sovereignty. National Day is marked by patriotic ceremonies, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances.
Independence Day – November 30th
Description: Independence Day in Yemen commemorates the country’s independence from British rule on November 30, 1967. It is a time to reflect on Yemen’s history of struggle for independence and sovereignty. Independence Day is celebrated with patriotic fervor, including flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) – Date varies
Description: The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. While it is not a public holiday in Yemen, it is observed by Muslims with prayers, reflection, and the recitation of religious texts. The Islamic New Year provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal and devotion among the Muslim community.
National Youth Day – August 14th
Description: National Youth Day in Yemen celebrates the contributions and achievements of young people to the nation. It is a day to recognize the energy, creativity, and potential of Yemeni youth in shaping the country’s future. National Youth Day may be marked by youth-oriented events, seminars, and activities promoting youth empowerment.
Labour Day – May 1st
Description: Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is a global celebration of the contributions and rights of workers. In Yemen, it may be observed with rallies, marches, and events organized by trade unions and workers’ organizations. Labour Day serves as a reminder of the importance of workers’ rights and social justice.
Table: Public Holidays and Days Off in Yemen 2024
| Public Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | None | General population |
| Unity Day | May 22 | 1 day | General population |
| Eid al-Fitr | Date varies | 1-3 days | Muslims |
| Eid al-Adha | Date varies | 1-3 days | Muslims |
| Mawlid al-Nabi | Date varies | None | Muslims |
| National Day | September 26 | 1 day | General population |
| Independence Day | November 30 | 1 day | General population |
| Islamic New Year | Date varies | None | Muslims |
| National Youth Day | August 14 | None | Youth, General population |
| Labour Day | May 1 | None | Workers |