Commemoration Day

Commemoration Day
Also calledMartyrs' Day
Observed by United Arab Emirates
TypeNational holiday
SignificanceRemembrance of fallen soldiers
ObservancesA minute's silence on 30 November, and a public holiday on 1 December
Begins30 November
Ends1 December
Date30 November
Next time30 November 2025 (2025-11-30)
FrequencyAnnual
First time2015 (2015)
Started byKhalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Commemoration Day, also known as Martyrs' Day (Arabic: يوم الشهيد yawm ash-shahiid), is a national holiday in the United Arab Emirates recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of Emirati martyrs who have given their life in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service. The day is marked annually on 30 November, but observed with a public holiday on 1 December. It was declared in 2015, when President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, declared the day as Martyrs Day in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the country. Prior to 2019, the observance and public holiday were both held on 30 November.