Quick answer: The UAE year has a clear seasonal rhythm. Winter (November to March) is the season for desert camping, outdoor gatherings and National Day on 2 December. Ramadan and Eid move about 11 days earlier each year because they follow the lunar Hijri calendar. Summer (May to September) brings Dubai's Flame Tree Season and the date harvest. Throughout the year, the Tashkeel shop offers locally designed objects that suit each moment, from winter shawls and tea sets to the Flame Tree Pop Socket and the UAE Collection.
Why a seasonal calendar matters in the UAE
Visitors often think the UAE has one season: hot. Residents know better. Life moves outdoors in winter, indoors in summer, and into the evening during Ramadan. Gifts and home objects make more sense when they match that rhythm, so this guide follows the year as people in the Emirates actually live it.
Winter: November to March
What happens
Temperatures drop, and the desert, mountains and beaches fill with people. Families camp in the dunes, gather around fires, and spend evenings in outdoor majlis settings. It is also the season of festivals, art fairs and exhibitions across the country.
Objects for winter
- Winter Shawl from the Gerbou collection, with subtle icon embroidery, for cool desert nights.
- Finyal Cups made from Dubai clay, for gahwa by the fire. See our Dubai clay cups story.
- Short Travel Bag for weekend trips to the mountains or the east coast.
- Chess Briefcase and Playing Cards with Leather Pouch for long evenings at camp.
Early November: UAE Flag Day
Flag Day, observed in early November, marks the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan becoming President in 2004. Flags appear on homes, offices and cars across the country. Small objects with UAE symbols, such as the Emirates Lapel Pins or the UAE Falcon Metal Sticker, make small gifts for teams and schools.
30 November and 2 December: Commemoration Day and National Day
Commemoration Day on 30 November honours Emiratis who gave their lives in service of the nation. National Day on 2 December celebrates the founding of the UAE in 1971. It is the biggest national celebration of the year, with parades, fireworks and gatherings.
Objects for National Day
- Ali Mrad's Emirates Sketchbooks, one for each of the seven emirates. Read the Seven Emirates guide.
- Mouza Al Hamrani's The Founding Generation Poster, a tribute to the region's pioneers.
- The UAE Solidarity T-Shirt and the Emirates T-shirt.
- UAE Collection plates for a National Day lunch.
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (moving dates)
Ramadan follows the lunar Hijri calendar, so it starts about 11 days earlier each year. Days slow down, and evenings come alive with iftar, suhoor and visits to family. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month.
- Ghaf Tea Set Box for hosting after iftar.
- The Ramadan Collection.
- Gift-boxed Gold Finyal for Eid visits.
More ideas in our Ramadan, Eid, wedding and corporate gift guide.
Eid al-Adha (moving dates)
About seventy days after Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha coincides with the Hajj season. It is a time of family gatherings and generosity. Hosting pieces such as the Gerbou Serving Plate suit the occasion.
Summer: May to September
Flame Tree Season (May to July)
Dubai's streets turn red and orange as the flame trees bloom. Carry the colour all year with the Flame Tree Pop Socket by Waggish x Tashkeel. Read our Flame Tree Season guide.
Date season
Fresh dates, known as rutab, ripen from early summer, and date festivals take place in places such as Liwa. Serve them on UAE Collection small plates or in Dessert Cups.
Indoor summer
Summer is the season for indoor creativity, museums and workshops. Pick up a sketchbook and try our 15 sketchbook prompts, or start a gallery wall with our framing guide.
Late August: Emirati Women's Day
Emirati Women's Day on 28 August celebrates the contributions of women to the nation. It is a good moment to discover and support work by women artists based in the UAE in the Tashkeel shop, such as Mouza Al Hamrani, Moza Al Falasi and Maitha Demithan.
Autumn: back to school and the start of the art season
September brings students back to class and the start of the cultural season. Notebooks and sketchbooks, such as the Emirates Notebooks Hardcover, make useful, meaningful back-to-school gifts.
Frequently asked questions
When is UAE National Day?
2 December, celebrating the founding of the UAE in 1971.
Why does Ramadan change date every year?
Ramadan follows the lunar Hijri calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the solar year.
When is the best weather in the UAE?
Generally from November to March, when temperatures are mild.
When is Emirati Women's Day?
28 August.
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