The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has declared Wednesday, January 1, 2025, as the New Year holiday for UAE federal government entities. A circular issued by the authority on Friday added that work will resume on Thursday, January 2. This will be the first public holiday in the UAE during 2025.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) also announced that January 1 will be an official paid holiday for all UAE private sector employees for the occasion of New Year’s Day. The decision is in line with the UAE Cabinet’s Resolution regarding approved public holidays for the government and private sectors. Monday, December 30 and Tuesday, December 31 are regular working days, so there is no extended weekend for most.
إجازة رأس السنة الميلادية في الحكومة الاتحادية الأربعاء 1 يناير 2025.
New Year Holiday in the Federal Government is on Wednesday, 1st January, 2025. pic.twitter.com/DQEaNmYy1X— FAHR (@FAHR_UAE) December 20, 2024
2025 holiday calendar
The UAE Cabinet’s Resolution also lists the 2025 holiday calendar which includes:
- 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
Read| New Year 2025: Four-day holiday announced in Kuwait
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, will come into effect on January 1, 2025.
With the exception of Eid Holidays, the Cabinet may – pursuant to a resolution it issues – transfer any of the public holidays to the beginning or end of the week, the legislation added.
Local governments may also 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.
