Planning your year ahead in the UAE? Understanding the official UAE holidays 2025 calendar is essential for residents, employees, and businesses alike. With the UAE government announcing a total of at least 12 public holidays in 2025, this comprehensive guide covers all official dates, cultural significance, and strategic planning tips to maximize your time off.
Official UAE Public Holidays 2025 Calendar
Fixed Gregorian Calendar Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
The celebration occurs on Sunday this year, therefore we can enjoy a public holiday on Monday, January 1, 2025. This marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated globally.
Long Weekend Opportunity: Perfect start to 2025 with a mid-week break.
Islamic Calendar Holidays (Subject to Moon Sighting)
The UAE follows the Islamic lunar calendar for religious holidays, which means dates can vary by a day depending on moon sighting.
Eid Al Fitr – March 30 to April 1, 2025 (Sunday to Tuesday)
The first long public holiday of 2025 comes during Eid Al Fitr celebration, with 3 days off from March 30 to April 1 covering Islamic months Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3. This festival celebrates the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Extended Break: If Ramadan ends with 30 days, you will get one additional day off, potentially creating a 4-day weekend.
Planning Tip: Many residents plan longer vacations during this period as it’s one of the most significant celebrations in the UAE.
Eid Al Adha – June 6 to June 9, 2025 (Friday to Monday)
This major Islamic holiday commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Strategic Planning: Plan strategically to extend your UAE holiday with strategic leave for a longer break during Eid Al Adha.
Islamic New Year – June 27, 2025 (Friday)
Also known as Hijri New Year, this marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar year and commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) – September 5, 2025 (Friday)
Both private and public sectors will get a public holiday on Friday September 5 to observe Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, which falls on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ Al-Awwal.
Weekend Extension: Falling on a Friday, it gives residents across Abu Dhabi and the UAE a three-day long weekend when combined with Saturday and Sunday.
National Celebrations
Commemoration Day – December 1, 2025 (Monday)
Although Commemoration Day is officially observed on Sunday, 30 November, it is typically marked on December 1. This day honors the sacrifices of UAE heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
UAE National Day – December 2-3, 2025 (Tuesday-Wednesday)
Every year on December 2, the UAE celebrates its National Day with grand parades, fireworks, and a sea of red, green, white, and black flags. This celebrates the union of the Emirates and the birth of the nation.
Extended Holiday Potential: UAE residents could enjoy a four-day weekend from December 1 to 4, making it perfect for year-end getaways.
Holiday Types and Categories in UAE
Religious Holidays
- Eid Al Fitr: End of Ramadan celebration
- Eid Al Adha: Commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice
- Islamic New Year: Beginning of Hijri calendar
- Prophet’s Birthday: Celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birth
National and Cultural Holidays
- New Year’s Day: Gregorian calendar celebration
- Commemoration Day: Honoring national heroes
- UAE National Day: Federation celebration
Understanding Islamic vs Gregorian Calendar
Islamic holidays are observed as per the Hijri calendar and depend on the sighting of the moon, whereas national occasions are observed as per the Gregorian calendar.
Strategic Holiday Planning for 2025
Maximizing Long Weekends
Best Long Weekend Opportunities:
- New Year’s: Mid-week break to start the year
- Eid Al Fitr: Potential 4-day weekend
- Eid Al Adha: Perfect for summer getaways
- Prophet’s Birthday: 3-day weekend in September
- Year-End Celebrations: 4-day break combining Commemoration and National Day
Travel Planning Tips
Planning your travel around UAE holidays requires strategic thinking:
Peak Travel Periods:
- Eid holidays see maximum travel demand
- National Day weekend is popular for domestic tourism
- Summer Eid Al Adha coincides with international travel season
Budget-Friendly Planning:
- Book flights and hotels well in advance for Eid periods
- Consider domestic attractions during shorter breaks
- Explore Dubai’s top attractions during long weekends
Business and Employment Considerations
Official Announcements
Cabinet resolution No. 27 of 2024 details the government’s plans for both public and private UAE holidays in 2025, ensuring uniform application across all sectors.
Workforce Planning
HR departments and business leaders should adopt best practices to effectively navigate the holiday landscape, given that 2025 holiday dates have already been officially announced.
Key Business Considerations:
- Update internal calendars immediately
- Plan project timelines around major holidays
- Consider staffing requirements during extended breaks
- Prepare for reduced business operations during Eid periods
Cultural Significance and Celebrations
Understanding UAE Holiday Culture
Public holidays in the UAE are much more than dates on a calendar—they are cherished occasions that bring people together, strengthen community bonds and celebrate the country’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Celebrating During Holidays
Eid Celebrations:
- Family gatherings and traditional meals
- Gift exchanges and charity giving (Zakat)
- Special prayers and community events
- Traditional sweets and festive decorations
National Day Festivities:
- Grand parades, fireworks, and displays of national pride with UAE flag colors
- Cultural performances and heritage exhibitions
- Special offers at malls and attractions
- Community events across all emirates
Exploring During Holidays
Make the most of your UAE holidays by exploring local attractions:
- Visit Dubai’s best shopping malls during holiday sales
- Discover cultural and historical attractions in Dubai
- Experience family-friendly Dubai attractions
- Enjoy Dubai’s top night attractions
Transportation and Services During Holidays
Public Transportation
UAE public transport operates on modified schedules during major holidays:
- Dubai Metro: Check Dubai Metro timing for holiday schedules
- Bus Services: Routes like F47 bus may have adjusted timings
- Abu Dhabi Transport: Modified schedules apply to major routes
Essential Services
- Banking: Limited operations during religious holidays
- Government offices: Closed during all public holidays
- Shopping malls: Extended hours during Eid and National Day
- Restaurants: Many offer special holiday menus and extended hours
Holiday Shopping and Deals
Major Sale Periods
UAE holidays coincide with significant shopping opportunities:
Eid Sales:
- Traditional Eid shopping before festivals
- Post-Eid clearance sales
- Special offers on gold, electronics, and fashion
National Day Promotions:
- Patriotic-themed merchandise
- Tourism and hospitality deals
- Dubai attractions combo tickets and special packages
Smart Shopping Tips
- Book Dubai attraction tickets in advance for holiday periods
- Look for discounted tickets for Dubai attractions
- Consider multi-park passes for extended holidays
Regional Variations and Updates
Federal vs Local Holidays
While federal holidays apply throughout the UAE, individual emirates may announce additional local celebrations or modified schedules.
Stay Updated
These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back regularly for updates. Always verify current information from official government sources.
Official Source: UAE Government Portal – Public Holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does UAE have in 2025?
The UAE will enjoy at least 12 public holidays in 2025, including special occasions of Eid, Islamic New Year, and UAE National Day.
Do Islamic holidays change dates each year?
Yes, Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar and shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Are private sector employees entitled to all public holidays?
Yes, the government’s plans apply to both public and private UAE holidays in 2025.
When is the next UAE public holiday?
Only two UAE public holidays remain in 2025, with Prophet’s Birthday and the year-end National Day celebrations being the final holidays.
Planning Your Perfect UAE Holiday Year
Understanding the UAE holidays 2025 calendar enables better planning for both personal and professional commitments. Planning ahead for UAE holidays 2025 can significantly benefit both employees and employers, allowing for effective scheduling and resource management.
Whether you’re planning family vacations, organizing business operations, or simply want to make the most of your time off, this official UAE holidays 2025 calendar provides all the essential information you need.
For budget-conscious travelers looking to explore during holidays, consider visiting Dubai’s cheapest attractions or discovering free Dubai attractions to maximize your holiday enjoyment without breaking the bank.
Remember to book accommodations and attractions early during peak holiday periods, especially for Eid celebrations and National Day weekend, to ensure availability and better rates for your UAE holiday experiences.
