Public Holidays in Yemen 2026 – Islamic & National Holidays
Yemen observes public holidays that combine Islamic (lunar) observances and national / historic commemorations. Many holiday dates—especially Islamic ones—depend on official moon sightings.
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Overview of Public Holidays in Yemen
Public holidays in Yemen include multi-day Islamic celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, alongside fixed national holidays like Unity Day, September Revolution Day, and Independence Day. Because Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar, their Gregorian dates shift each year and are confirmed closer to the time of observance.
During extended holidays such as Eid, families often travel locally or remain at home, while limited domestic tourism may focus on historically significant cities and regions listed under places to visit in Yemen. Accommodation availability varies and may include options listed under best hotels in Yemen, depending on region and security conditions.
List of Public Holidays in Yemen (2026)
| Holiday | Approx. Date(s) 2026 | Day(s) | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Gregorian New Year’s Day |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | March 19 – March 25 | Thursday – Wednesday | Major Islamic festival (dates subject to moon sighting) |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday | Workers’ rights and labour observance |
| Unity Day | May 22 | Friday | Unification of North & South Yemen (1990) |
| Eid al-Adha | May 26 – June 2 | Tuesday – Tuesday | Islamic Feast of Sacrifice (multi-day) |
| Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) | June 16 | Tuesday | Start of the new Islamic year |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid) | August 26 | Wednesday | Commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ |
| September Revolution Day | September 26 | Saturday | Anniversary of the 1962 revolution |
| Liberation Day | October 14 | Wednesday | Marks the end of British rule in the south |
| Independence Day | November 30 | Monday | Independence from British colonial rule |
Note: Islamic holiday dates are approximate and depend on official moon sightings.
List of Public Holidays in Yemen (2025)
| Holiday | Approx. Date(s) 2025 | Day(s) | Significance / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Gregorian New Year’s Day |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | March 29 – April 4 | Saturday – Friday | Major Islamic celebration |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Thursday | Workers’ rights and labour observance |
| Unity Day | May 22 | Thursday | Unification of North & South Yemen (1990) |
| Eid al-Adha | June 5 – June 13 | Thursday – Friday | Islamic Feast of Sacrifice |
| Islamic New Year | June 26 | Thursday | Start of Hijri calendar year |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | September 4 | Thursday | Commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s birth |
| September Revolution Day | September 26 | Friday | 1962 revolution anniversary |
| Liberation Day | October 14 | Tuesday | Struggle against British rule in the south |
| Independence Day | November 30 | Sunday | Marks independence from Britain |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Yemen observe each year?
Yemen observes around 10 major public holidays annually, including national days and multi-day Islamic festivals.
Why do Islamic holiday dates change every year?
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Dates depend on moon sightings.
Are all holidays observed nationwide?
Official holidays are declared nationwide, but local observance may vary by region due to administrative and political conditions.
Conclusion
Yemen’s public holidays reflect its deep Islamic traditions and significant historical milestones. With multi-day religious celebrations and important national commemorations, these holidays shape social life and public rhythms across the country.
