As the holy month of Ramadan nears, UAE residents are already looking forward to the next holiday and long weekend in 2025. The UAE mainly celebrates 7 holidays every year which are approved by the Cabinet.
UAE public holidays are a vital part of the country’s cultural and religious calendar, observed by both the public and private sectors. These holidays are determined by the UAE government and include significant Islamic holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, which are based on moon sightings. This means the exact dates can sometimes change, adding an element of anticipation to the holiday planning.
Understanding UAE public holidays is crucial for effective planning and compliance with UAE labor laws. It’s also important to appreciate the cultural and religious significance of these holidays, which are deeply embedded in the UAE’s identity and heritage.
UAE holiday calendar for 2025
According to legislation passed by the UAE Cabinet, the public and private sectors will observe the following holidays in 2025:
- Gregorian New Year | January 1 | One day
- Eid Al Fitr | Shawwal 1 to 3 | Three days
- Arafat 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
If the month of Ramadan completes 30 days, day 30 shall be deemed as an official holiday added to the Eid Al Fitr holiday.
The legislation, published in the official gazette on May 15, 2024, came into effect on January 1, 2025.
Expected dates for 2025 UAE public holidays
Unlike the widely used Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar operates on the lunar cycle. This means that all significant holidays in the Islamic calendar appear to shift forward approximately 11 days each year. For instance, the sighting of the moon determines the end of the month-long period of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid.
Exact dates are usually confirmed closer to the public holidays due to moon sightings, but the Emirates Astronomical Society has predicted when some of the UAE public holidays in 2025 may fall:
- Eid Al Fitr: March 30 to April 3
- Eid Al Adha: June 5 to June 8
- Hijri New Year: June 26
- Prophet’s Birthday: September 5
When is the next long weekend in the UAE?
Eid Al Fitr will mark the next long weekend and holiday in the UAE in 2025. Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1. However, the exact start date will be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee. If Ramadan does indeed start on March 1, it will end on March 29 or 30. The exact timing depends on the phases the moon goes through every lunar month.
When the waning crescent is spotted, it will signify the final night of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr 2025. Eid Al Fitr is expected to take place on Sunday, March 30, 2025, or Monday, March 31, 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Eid Al Fitr 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. Notably, Eid Al Fitr is among the two main holidays in Islam, the other being Eid Al Adha.
What is Arafat Day?
Following Eid Al Fitr, the UAE will celebrate Arafat Day. Arafat Day is the ninth day of the Islamic month Dhu al-Hijjah and the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is immediately followed by Eid al Adha celebrations.
The day commemorates a key event in Islamic pilgrimage and marks a day of spiritual reflection, unity and supplication. Arafat is the name of a mountain located near the city of Makkah. On this day, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon to a gathering of over 100,000 Muslims during his final pilgrimage.
Traditionally, Muslims all around the world, who are not in Makkah doing the pilgrimage, will fast on the day. It is not mandatory, but it is preferred.
Read| Ramadan 2025: UAE dates and traditions explained
Transfer of official holidays
With the exception of Eid Holidays, the UAE Cabinet may – pursuant to a resolution it issues – transfer any of the public holidays in 2025 to the beginning or end of the week, the legislation added.
Other official holidays
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.
