Father’s Day in the UAE: Dates, Traditions & Unique Gift Ideas
- itara8
- Apr 9
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Father’s Day is a special occasion to honour the unsung heroes of our lives — the dads who support us, guide us, and make life just a bit more adventurous. While many countries around the world celebrate Father’s Day in June, Father’s Day in the UAE has its own timing and traditions. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the region, understanding how and when to celebrate can make the day more meaningful.
In This Post:
When is Father's Day in UAE?
Unlike many Western countries that celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, Father's Day in UAE is celebrated on June 21st each year. This aligns with the summer solstice and is consistent with other countries in the region such as Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Quick Comparison of Father's Day Dates Around the World
Country | Date Celebrated |
UAE | June 21 |
USA | 3rd Sunday of June |
UK | 3rd Sunday of June |
Australia | 1st Sunday of September |
Thailand | December 5 (King’s Birthday) |
(Source: TimeandDate)
How is Father's Day Celebrated in UAE?
Father’s Day in UAE is a growing tradition, particularly in urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where multicultural communities have brought in global ways of celebrating the occasion. While it may not yet be as commercially prominent as Mother’s Day, appreciation for fathers is growing, and celebrations are becoming more widespread.
Typical celebrations include:
Family Dinners: Many families treat dads to a meal at a nice restaurant.
Gifting: Kids and spouses often surprise dads with thoughtful gifts — anything from watches to books or personalized keepsakes.
Quality Time: Whether it’s a beach picnic, a day at the golf course, or a relaxed movie night, spending time together is at the heart of the celebration.
Social Media Tributes: It's common to see Instagram stories and Facebook posts dedicated to dads with heartwarming captions and old photos.
👉Explore Father’s Day Gifts
How is Father's Day in UAE Different?
The key difference is in the date and cultural context. While Father's Day in countries like the US and UK is deeply embedded into commercial and school calendars, UAE Father's Day is still developing into a mainstream celebration. However, due to the country's diverse population, people often celebrate both — the UAE date (June 21) and the global date (third Sunday of June) depending on their background.
Additionally:
Corporate campaigns in the UAE are increasingly recognizing the holiday with Father’s Day-themed offers and discounts.
Some schools and nurseries organize Father’s Day activities, including card-making and storytelling for younger kids.
Influencers and content creators based in the UAE now routinely highlight their personal stories and memories, giving the day a more emotional resonance.
Special Things to Know About Father’s Day in UAE
It’s growing in popularity: While not a public holiday, awareness of Father’s Day is increasing each year.
It bridges cultures: You’ll often see expat families combining their home-country traditions with local ones.
It’s more meaningful than material: In UAE, where many fathers work long hours and travel frequently, gifts of time and experience are particularly appreciated.
There’s a push toward minimalist gifting: Experiences over material possessions are becoming a preferred way to say “thank you, Dad.”
Unique Father's Day Gift Ideas in UAE
When thinking of what to gift your father this June 21, don’t just go for another necktie or coffee mug. Make it memorable with a unique experience gift voucher from Ithara.ae.
Why Ithara.ae Vouchers Make the Perfect Gift For Father’s Day
Personalized & Flexible: You can choose from dozens of experiences that suit your dad’s interests — from hot air balloon rides to relaxing spa treatments.
Valid for 12 Months: No rush to redeem. He can plan his experience whenever it suits him.
Gift Cards and Collections: If you're unsure what he might like, opt for a monetary Gift Card or Experience Collection which allows him to pick his own adventure.
Instant or Premium Delivery: Choose between instant e-vouchers or beautifully packaged premium boxes for a luxurious touch.
Popular Categories for Dads
Adventure Activities – For thrill-seeking dads: ziplining, quad biking, or skydiving.
Food & Drink – From steak dinners to themed culinary nights.
Staycations – A weekend escape to unwind with the family.
Spa & Massages – Because even dads need pampering.
Hot Air Balloon Rides – For a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise experience.
With Ithara.ae, you’re not just gifting a product, but creating a memory that lasts.
UAE Father's Day on June 21 is a wonderful opportunity to pause and show appreciation for everything our fathers do. Whether you celebrate with a heartfelt dinner, a homemade card, or a surprise experience, it’s the intention and the time spent that matters most.
So this year, ditch the ordinary and gift something unforgettable. With Ithara.ae's curated experiences, your dad can choose an adventure that speaks to him — because he deserves more than a gift, he deserves a memory.
