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Complete List of Public Holidays in UAE 2025

Lifestyle

Complete List of Public Holidays in UAE 2025

Lifestyle

Published on 31 Jan 2024

Last updated 10 Feb 2025

9 min read

Are you planning your next holiday? Well, here’s the good news—The UAE government has officially announced the public holidays for this year. There will be at least 12 public holidays in UAE 2025. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, like in 2024, we might get an extra day off.

The UAE government shared the public holiday dates last year in an official announcement. This came after a review of some federal laws.

A new rule, part of UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, allows some public holidays that fall on weekends to be moved.

According to the rule, if a holiday is at a weekend, the Cabinet may shift it to the start or end of the week. However, this does not apply to Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha. If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, we might get an extra day off on Friday or Monday.

If this rule had been in place in 2024, we could have had an extra day off for the Islamic New Year, which falls on the weekend.

The decision came after reviewing laws related to labour, human resources, and public holidays in the UAE. These holidays apply to both public and private sector employees.

Since some public holidays depend on moon sightings, the exact dates will be confirmed closer to the time. But for now, we know which occasions we’ll get time off for!

Until then, let’s learn about these UAE public holidays for the year, their significance, and why they are celebrated.

What are public holidays in UAE?

Public holidays in the UAE are special days when government offices, businesses, and schools are closed. These days are paid holidays, allowing people to celebrate important national, cultural, and religious events with family and friends. Public holidays also help maintain work-life balance, bring communities together, and strengthen the country’s identity.

Below is a list of public holidays in UAE 2025 so you can plan your time off and organise your work schedule in advance.

List of public holidays in UAE 2025

Here’s a breakdown of the key UAE public holidays announced under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024:

HolidayIslamic DateGregorian Date (Subject to Moon Sighting)
Gregorian New YearJanuary 1, 2025
End of Ramadan (Eid Al-Fitr)1st-3rd of ShawwalApril 21-23, 2025 (TBC)
Arafa Day9th of Dhul-HijjahJune 27, 2025 (TBC)
Eid Al-Adha10th-12th of Dhul-HijjahJune 28-30, 2025 (TBC)
Hijri New Year1st of MuharramJuly 30, 2025 (TBC)
Prophet’s Birthday12th of Rabi’ Al-AwwalSeptember 10, 2025 (TBC)
UAE National DayDecember 2-3, 2025

Note: Islamic holidays are subject to moon sightings and can vary.

Detailed Overview of UAE Public Holidays 2025

1. New Year’s Day – January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)

New Year's Day

Source

New Year’s Day is the first official holiday of the year in the UAE. It is observed on January 1, following the Gregorian calendar.

Significance:

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the new year. It is a global celebration where people reflect on the past year and set new goals.

How is it celebrated?

  • Fireworks displays in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
  • Public concerts and entertainment events.
  • Family gatherings and celebrations.

2. Eid al-Fitr – March 31 – April 2, 2025 (Monday – Wednesday)

Eid Al Fitr Holidays

Source

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important Islamic holidays in the UAE. It is the first Eid of the year and marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayers, and self-discipline.

Significance:

Eid al-Fitr means the “festival of breaking the fast.” It is a time of gratitude, charity, and celebration. Muslims worldwide celebrate by praying, giving to charity, and spending time with loved ones.

How is it celebrated?

  • Special Eid prayers are held in mosques.
  • Families gather for festive meals.
  • Giving of Eidiya (money or gifts) to children.
  • Traditional Emirati dishes such as Luqaimat (sweet dumplings) are enjoyed.

3. Arafat Day – June 5, 2025 (Thursday)

Arafat Day Holiday

Source

Arafat Day is observed on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the Islamic calendar’s twelfth month. It falls one day before Eid al-Adha.

Significance:

Arafat Day is considered the holiest day of the Islamic calendar. It marks the day Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon during the Hajj pilgrimage.

How is it celebrated?

  • Pilgrims in Mecca gather on Mount Arafat for prayers.
  • Many Muslims around the world observe fasting.
  • It is a day of prayers, repentance, and reflection.

4. Eid al-Adha – June 6 – June 8, 2025 (Friday – Sunday)

Eid Al Adha Holidays

Source

Eid al-Adha, also called the Festival of Sacrifice, is the most significant Islamic holiday. It honours Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

Significance:

The holiday reminds Muslims of faith, obedience, and generosity. Families perform the Qurbani (animal sacrifice) to commemorate the event.

How is it celebrated?

  • Special Eid prayers in mosques.
  • The sacrifice of livestock (sheep, cows, or camels), with meat distributed to the needy.
  • Family feasts with traditional Emirati dishes.
  • Visits to relatives and community gatherings.

5. Islamic New Year – June 27, 2025 (Friday)

Hijri New Year

Source

Islamic New Year, also called Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Significance:

Unlike the Gregorian New Year, the Islamic New Year is a quiet and reflective holiday. It commemorates the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.

How is it observed?

  • A time for prayers, reflection, and self-improvement.
  • Some Muslims observe fasting and recite Islamic history.
  • No large public celebrations.

6. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – September 5, 2025 (Friday)

Rabi' Al-Awwal

Source

Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam.

Significance:

The Prophet’s birthday is a time to remember his teachings, compassion, and leadership.

How is it observed?

  • Religious lectures and sermons in mosques and Islamic centers.
  • Reflection on Prophet Muhammad’s life and values.
  • Some Muslims engage in charity and good deeds.

7. Commemoration Day – December 1, 2025 (Monday)

UAE National Day

Source

Commemoration Day, also known as Martyrs’ Day, honours Emirati soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in service to the country.

Significance:

It is a day of national pride and remembrance. The UAE pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of its heroes.

How is it observed?

  • Official ceremonies are led by UAE leaders.
  • A moment of silence is observed nationwide.
  • Flags are flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen heroes.

8. UAE National Day – December 2-3, 2025 (Tuesday – Wednesday)

UAE National Day

UAE National Day is the biggest national celebration. It marks the unification of the seven Emirates in 1971. 

Significance:

This day celebrates the foundation of the UAE and its growth into a global powerhouse.

How is it observed?

  • Massive fireworks displays in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other cities.
  • National parades and cultural performances.
  • Buildings and cars decorated with UAE flags.
  • Discounts and special events at malls, parks, and hotels.

How to plan your holidays in 2025?

If you plan your leaves smartly, you can maximise your holidays. Here are some tips and ideas on how you can plan these UAE public holidays 2025 wisely:

  • Eid al-Fitr (March 31 – April 2) – Take April 3-4 off for a 9-day break.
  • Eid al-Adha (June 6 – June 8) – Take June 9 off for a 5-day break.
  • National Day (December 2-3) – Take December 4 off for a 5-day holiday.

What’s the bottom line?

Public holidays in UAE 2025 are more than just days off—they are moments of celebration, reflection, and unity. Whether it’s the joy of Eid al-Fitr, the sacrifices remembered on Eid al-Adha, or the pride felt on National Day, each holiday carries deep meaning. These occasions bring families together, honour traditions, and create unforgettable memories.

For those planning a trip or a long weekend, it’s important to keep an eye on official announcements, as Islamic holidays depend on moon sightings. Planning ahead helps make the most of these days—whether by travelling, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking a break. If travel is on the agenda, checking out the best places to visit during the Eid holidays or learning helpful travel tips for Ramadan can be useful. Those interested in traditions may also find reading more about the Islamic New Year holiday and its significance interesting.

Enjoy the holidays, make special memories, and take in everything the UAE has to offer this year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Are UAE public holidays the same for private and public sectors?
The UAE government has made public holidays the same for private and public sector employees.

Q. Will Eid holidays be confirmed before the official date?
Eid holidays depend on moon sightings, so the exact dates may change.

Q. How many public holidays are there in the UAE?
The UAE has 12 official public holidays this year.

Q. How many public holidays are there in the UAE in 2025?
In 2025, there will be 12 public holidays.

Q. Do expats also get UAE public holidays?
Yes, public holidays apply to all residents and expats working in the UAE.

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ABOUT AUTHOR

Hanna Mae Rico is a skilled content writer. With a bachelor's degree in English Language Studies, Hanna has spent over three years working in the digital marketing industry. Her versatility shines through her ability to captivate audiences with lifestyle, travel, and other engaging topics. Her love of written words and her innate ability to transport readers to different places make her a true wordsmith.

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