Time to start planning: Here's the remaining public holidays in the UAE for 2017

With less than four months left of the year, we look at the public holidays where you can fit in a long weekend without using your annual leave

Holiday-makers enjoy their time outdoors watching the passersby, swimming, and hanging out with family and friends at the Breakwater Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Silvia Razgova / The National

As Eid Al Adha closes out the end of summer holidays, we look ahead to the rest of the year and the days of relaxation that remain.

Those looking forward to their next holiday will not have long to wait with the Hijri New Year's Day expected on September 22. The first day of the Islamic lunar calendar is yet to be confirmed but looks likely to fall on a Friday. It remains to be seen whether or not Thursday, September 21, will be called as a holiday but it's best not to book any plane tickets just yet.

Read more: UAE public holidays for 2017 announced by Abu Dhabi Government

The next public holiday is a sombre one. The third Commemoration Day will be held on Thursday November 30. In August 2015, President Sheikh Khalifa announced the establishment of the national holiday in honour of Emiratis who died serving their country. The date is significant because the first Emirati serviceman to die in the line of duty was Salem Suhail bin Khamis. Bin Khamis died at the end of November in 1971, shortly before the UAE's formation.

The following public holiday is Prophet Mohammed's birthday and is expected to coincide with Commemoration Day.

As the date is determined by the Islamic calendar, we will have to wait until a few days before to find out exactly when the holiday will be held but the expected date is November 30.

Travel tips: UAE staycations: Great value deals across all 7 emirates

And finally, the UAE's biggest party will be held on December 2 as the country celebrates National Day. December 3 – a Sunday – is also likely to be called as a day off but holidays for private and public sector employees will be announced ahead of time.

After National Day, the countdown leading up to the new year begins and with January 1 permanently set as a public holiday.

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Eid Al Adha recap

UAE leaders mark Eid Al Adha with prayers and greetings
Worshippers to mark Eid Al Adha as UAE's leaders visit mosques across the emirates
Eid Al Adha observed around the world - in pictures
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