UAE Public Holidays 2025: Full List of Official Days Off
According to official announcements, residents can expect 12 public holidays this year. New Year’s Day kicked off the calendar on Wednesday, January 1. Later, Eid Al Fitr offered time off from Sunday, March 30 to Tuesday, April 2.
In June, Arafat Day fell on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid Al Adha from June 6 to June 8. Shortly after, Islamic New Year provided a break on Friday, June 27, creating a three-day weekend for most workers. More recently, Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (PBUH) was observed on Friday, September 5. The year will conclude with National Day, celebrated on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3.
Because of current legislation, holidays may be shifted to create longer weekends. However, this adjustment does not apply to Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha.
What’s next on the calendar
The next public holiday will be National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, which marks the unification of the UAE. In 2025, it will be the 54th celebration of this occasion. Official days off are set for December 2 and 3, but additional adjustments remain possible depending on federal guidance.
If the Cabinet chooses to extend the break, residents may enjoy an even longer weekend. This flexibility ensures that employees benefit from balanced rest periods without disrupting major national celebrations.
Rules and guidelines for holidays
The UAE introduced updated rules under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which allow holidays that fall on weekends to be shifted. For instance, if a public holiday were scheduled on a Saturday, an extra day off could be moved to Friday or Monday.
Although some restrictions apply, this regulation gives both public and private sector workers more opportunities for extended breaks. Local governments may also declare additional holidays if necessary. Importantly, no overlapping dates appear in the 2025 calendar, ensuring that all public holidays remain distinct.
