Your Guide to UAE Public Holiday 2025. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a hub of cultural richness and modern ambition, and its public holidays reflect this unique blend. In 2025, UAE residents and visitors can look forward to a diverse calendar of celebrations, from Islamic festivals like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha to national milestones like UAE National Day. With at least 13 official public holiday days (and a potential extra day depending on Ramadan’s duration), 2025 offers plenty of chances to unwind, travel, or immerse yourself in Emirati traditions. This detailed guide provides the full list of UAE public holidays for 2025, confirmed and tentative dates (noting moon-sighting dependencies), and expert tips to help you plan your year effectively.
Why UAE Public Holiday Are Unique
The UAE’s holiday calendar is a fusion of Islamic and Gregorian dates, reflecting its deep-rooted heritage and forward-looking identity. Islamic holidays, based on the Hijri lunar calendar, shift annually and are finalized by moon sightings, adding an element of anticipation. Meanwhile, fixed national holidays like New Year’s Day and National Day anchor the year with predictability. In 2025, these holidays apply to both public and private sectors, ensuring everyone enjoys the same breaks. Announced early by the UAE Cabinet via Resolution No. 27 of 2024 (effective January 1, 2025), this schedule empowers residents, businesses, and HR teams to plan ahead with confidence.
Complete List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025.
Public Holidays: Here’s the detailed breakdown of all UAE public holidays in 2025, including dates, durations, and cultural significance. Islamic holiday dates are tentative and subject to confirmation by the UAE Moon Sighting Committee.
1. New Year’s Day
- Date: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: A global celebration to welcome 2025, marked by spectacular fireworks at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, and Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island. It’s a midweek breather to kick off the year with optimism.
2. Eid Al Fitr
- Tentative Dates: March 30 – April 1, 2025 (Sunday to Tuesday)
- Duration: 3 days (potentially 4 if Ramadan lasts 30 days, extending to April 2)
- Significance: This joyous festival ends Ramadan, the month of fasting. Expect vibrant celebrations with family feasts, gift-giving, and charity drives. Malls like Dubai Mall and public spaces host events, while prayer gatherings fill mosques.
3. Arafat Day
- Tentative Date: June 5, 2025 (Thursday)
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: The holiest day in Islam, observed during Hajj. It’s a day of reflection and prayer, setting the stage for Eid Al Adha. Falling on a Thursday, it could lead into a long weekend.
4. Eid Al Adha
- Tentative Dates: June 6 – June 8, 2025 (Friday to Sunday)
- Duration: 3 days
- Significance: Known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” it honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Families share meals, distribute meat to the needy, and enjoy a 4-day break when paired with Arafat Day.
5. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
- Tentative Date: June 26, 2025 (Thursday)
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: Marking the start of the Islamic lunar year (Muharram 1), this quiet holiday invites reflection and prayer. Another Thursday placement offers a 3-day weekend potential.
6. Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday (Mawlid Al Nabi)
- Tentative Date: September 4, 2025 (Thursday)
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: Celebrating the birth of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), this day features sermons, charity, and community gatherings. A Thursday holiday could mean another extended break.
7. Commemoration Day
- Date: November 30, 2025 (Sunday, observed Monday, December 1)
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: A tribute to Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. If November 30 falls on a weekend (as it does in 2025), it’s typically observed the next workday, giving a Monday off.
8. UAE National Day
- Dates: December 2 – December 3, 2025 (Tuesday to Wednesday)
- Duration: 2 days
- Significance: Celebrating the UAE’s unification in 1971, this holiday bursts with patriotism—think parades, flag displays, and fireworks across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Note: Islamic holidays (Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet’s Birthday) depend on moon sightings, so dates may shift by a day or two. Fixed holidays like New Year’s Day, Commemoration Day, and National Day are set.
Maximizing Your 2025 UAE Public Holidays
Public Holidays: With 13 confirmed holiday days (and a possible 14th if Ramadan extends), strategic planning can turn short breaks into mini-vacations. Here’s how to stretch your time off:
- New Year’s Day (Jan 1, Wednesday): Take Tuesday, December 30, 2024, off for a 5-day break (Dec 28–Jan 1).
- Eid Al Fitr (Mar 30 – Apr 1): If extended to April 2, you get a 5-day weekend (Mar 29–Apr 2). Add April 3–4 for 9 days.
- Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha (Jun 5–8): A 4-day break (Thursday–Sunday). Take June 9 (Monday) for 6 days off.
- Islamic New Year (Jun 26, Thursday): Pair with Friday–Saturday for a 3-day getaway.
- Prophet’s Birthday (Sep 4, Thursday): Add Friday, September 5, for a 3-day weekend.
- Commemoration Day & National Day (Nov 30 – Dec 3): Observed December 1 (Monday) plus December 2–3 gives a 5-day stretch (Nov 29–Dec 3). Take December 4–5 for 9 days.
Public Holidays Total Potential: With just 9–12 annual leave days, you could enjoy up to 45 days off by bridging weekends and holidays.
Expert Planning Tips for UAE Holidays in 2025
- Book Early for Big Breaks: Eid holidays and National Day see heavy travel—secure flights and hotels months ahead for destinations like Maldives, Georgia, or Oman.
- Stay Local: Explore UAE gems—camp in Hatta, dune-bash in Al Ain, or relax on Saadiyat Island’s beaches.
- Monitor Moon Sightings: Follow UAE government updates (e.g., via WAM or MOHRE) for exact Islamic holiday dates.
- Business Prep: HR teams should align schedules early, ensuring coverage during closures while respecting employee downtime.
- Cultural Immersion: Join Eid prayers, National Day parades, or visit museums like Louvre Abu Dhabi to connect with Emirati traditions.
What Makes 2025 Special for UAE Holidays?
- Balanced Distribution: Holidays are spread evenly—January, March, June, September, and December—offering regular breaks.
- Long Weekend Potential: Five holidays fall on Thursday or near weekends, naturally extending time off.
- Cultural Depth: From spiritual reflection during Arafat Day to national pride on December 2–3, 2025 showcases the UAE’s multifaceted identity.
Conclusion: Plan Your Perfect 2025 in the UAE
The UAE public holidays in 2025 are your gateway to relaxation, adventure, and cultural connection. With this comprehensive list and planning strategies, you’re equipped to maximize every moment—whether it’s a staycation in Dubai, a road trip to Fujairah, or a family reunion abroad. Start marking your calendar, booking your plans, and staying tuned for moon-sighting updates to ensure your year shines. Ready for 2025? The UAE’s holiday magic awaits.