Public holidays in the UAE offer residents a valuable opportunity to recharge, travel or spend quality time with loved ones. With the official 2025 public holiday schedule already confirmed, it’s the perfect time to start planning your time off strategically.
For both the public and private sectors, the UAE public holidays calendar for 2025 promises at least 12 days off, with an additional day depending on the length of Ramadan. These holidays bring extended weekends and potential long breaks, making them ideal for travel or leisure activities. However, it’s important to note that Islamic holidays, such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, are determined by moon sightings, meaning their exact dates may shift slightly every year.
Understanding the UAE’s public holiday calendar is key to maximizing your time off. Whether you’re looking to schedule a quick getaway or enjoy a staycation, this guide will help you plan your Eid holidays efficiently.
Eid Al Fitr 2025 holiday
Eid Al Fitr 2025 is a special occasion for Muslims and is a time for celebration with family and loved ones. It marks the end of the month of Ramadan, a period of month-long fasting for Muslims around the world, and the start of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar.
According to legislation passed by the UAE cabinet, Eid Al Fitr 2025 will be celebrated for three days, Shawwal 1 to 3, by both the public and private sectors. Eid Al Fitr is expected to take place either on Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, depending on the sighting of the moon.
The UAE cabinet’s legislation states that if the month of Ramadan completes 30 days, day 30 shall be deemed an official holiday in the UAE added to the Eid Al Fitr holiday. This would mean the UAE will have a four-day holiday.
If the crescent moon is sighted on Ramadan 29, the holiday will begin on Sunday, March 30, and run until Tuesday, April 1. Taking into account the weekend, it would mean a four-day holiday for UAE residents. Taking three days of leave, from Wednesday to Friday, would ensure that you will enjoy a total of nine days off work this Eid.
However, if the moon is not sighted on the 29th, the month of Ramadan will be 30 days and the 30th day will be considered a holiday in addition to the first three days of Shawwal. In this case, Eid Al Fitr 2025 will begin on Monday, March 31, and run until Wednesday, April 2. In addition to the weekend, UAE residents would have five days off (Saturday to Wednesday). Taking a leave on Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, would let you enjoy a combined nine days off.
Eid Al Adha 2025
If you plan to travel this summer, Eid Al Adha this year offers the perfect opportunity. The UAE celebrates Arafa Day on Thu Al-Hijjah 9 and Eid Al Adha from Thu Al-Hijjah 10 to 12, giving residents and citizens a total of four days off.
Eid Al Adha is the second of the two main festivals of Islam, after Eid Al Fitr, and falls in the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. Current predictions show that the holiday will begin on Thursday, June 5 with Arafat Day followed by Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6, Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. Taking three days of annual leave (from Monday, June 2, to Wednesday, June 4), you will be off from work for a total of nine days.
Other important holidays in 2025
Hijri New Year, celebrated on Muharram 1, is also among the UAE official holidays this year. This holiday is likely to fall on Friday, June 27. When combined with the weekend, you will enjoy a three-day break from work.
The next holiday after Hijri New Year is the Prophet’s Birthday, celebrated in the UAE on Rabi’ Al Awal 12. In 2025, this holiday is expected to be on Friday, September 5, also allowing you to enjoy three days off from work when combined with the weekend.
If you haven’t had the chance to book your annual leave yet, the Prophet’s Birthday on September 5 combined with four days of leave (Monday 1 to Thursday 4), would also allow you to enjoy 9 days off work.
UAE National Day
The final UAE holiday for 2025 is National Day, celebrated every year on December 2 and 3. This holiday this year is mid-week, giving you the opportunity to turn two days off into a week-long break with just 3 days of annual leave.
Applying for annual leave on Monday, December 1, Thursday, December 4 and Friday, December 5 would transform two off days into a week-long break to end the year on a high note.
Employee rights and benefits in the UAE
It is important to note that with the exception of Eid Holidays, the UAE Cabinet may – pursuant to a resolution it issues – transfer any of the public holidays to the beginning or end of the week. Local governments may determine any other public holidays, not stipulated in this resolution, for their own government departments and corporations on any occasions related to it or for any other reason, the legislation said.
According to Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (UAE Labour Law), employees in the private sector are entitled to fully paid leave on official public holidays as declared by the government.
If work conditions require that the worker works during any of the public holidays, the employer shall compensate them with another day off for each day on which they worked during the holiday or pay them the wage for that day according to the wage established for the normal working days, plus an increase of not less than 50 percent fifty percent of the basic wage for that day.
These provisions apply to private sector employees, while public sector employees follow specific rules issued by their respective departments. The UAE Cabinet determines public holidays applicable to both sectors annually. In 2025, these include:
- Gregorian New Year | January 1 | One day
- Eid Al Fitr | Shawwal 1 to 3 | Three days
- Arafa Day | Thu Al-Hijjah 9 | One day
- Eid Al Adha | Thu Al-Hijjah 10 to 12 | Three days
- Hijri New Year | Muharram 1 | One day
- Prophet’s Birthday | Rabi’ Al Awal 12 | One day
- National Day | December 2-3 | Two days
Business preparation: Ensuring a smooth holiday season
Public holidays in the UAE, especially during Eid, can significantly impact business operations. To maintain efficiency while accommodating employees’ time off, businesses should proactively update their internal calendars and plan ahead for staffing requirements.
HR departments play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations by implementing best practices. This includes planning for flexible work arrangements, setting clear leave policies and maintaining open communication with employees about holiday schedules. Early coordination can help prevent disruptions, particularly in customer-facing industries and essential services.
Additionally, businesses must be mindful of the cultural and religious significance of major Islamic holidays. Respecting these observances, such as adjusting work expectations during fasting hours in Ramadan or allowing employees time off for Eid celebrations, fosters a positive workplace environment. By balancing operational needs with cultural sensitivity, businesses can navigate the UAE’s holiday landscape effectively.
Travel: Making the most of UAE public holidays
Public holidays in the UAE present a prime opportunity for travel and tourism, as residents take advantage of extended breaks to explore both domestic destinations and international getaways. Whether it’s a relaxing staycation at a luxury resort, an adventure in the desert, or a trip abroad, these holidays offer the perfect chance to unwind.
For businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector, planning ahead is essential. Hotels, airlines and travel agencies should anticipate higher demand and adjust their operations accordingly. Offering special holiday packages, promotions and early booking discounts can help cater to the influx of travelers.
Additionally, the UAE government’s early announcement of public holidays allows both residents and international tourists to plan their trips well in advance. This ensures smoother travel experiences, whether for those looking to explore the UAE’s cultural landmarks or those flying out to global destinations. By staying informed about holiday dates, travelers can maximize their time off and enjoy seamless vacations.
Read: When will the UAE celebrate Eid Al Fitr 2025? Expected dates revealed
Cultural significance
Public holidays in the UAE are more than just time off—they hold a deep cultural and religious significance for residents and citizens alike. Among the most anticipated are the Eid holidays, which offer a time for both celebration and reflection. These days mark important moments in the Islamic calendar, bringing families together for prayer, feasts and acts of charity. Businesses and individuals alike should respect these observances, allowing employees and communities the space to honor their traditions.
Beyond Islamic holidays, the UAE National Day stands out as a moment of national pride and unity. Celebrated on December 2 and 3, this day commemorates the historic formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. It is marked by grand celebrations and a deep sense of patriotism, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the country’s achievements.
Understanding the cultural and religious importance of these holidays helps foster inclusivity and appreciation in both professional and social settings. Whether participating in festivities or simply acknowledging their significance, recognizing these moments enhances the UAE’s spirit of diversity and unity.
