The United Arab Emirates celebrates several important UAE holidays in 2025 every year. These occasions allow residents, employees, and visitors to enjoy time with family, celebrate cultural traditions, and explore the country’s beautiful attractions.
Understanding the UAE holidays 2025 calendar is useful for planning annual leave, family vacations, business schedules, and weekend trips. From New Year’s Day to Eid celebrations and UAE National Day, the country offers several opportunities to enjoy a well-deserved break.
The UAE government approves official holidays for both public and private sector employees. Some holidays have fixed dates, while Islamic celebrations follow the Hijri calendar and depend on moon sightings.
This guide provides the confirmed UAE public holiday dates for 2025, explains their importance, and highlights the long weekends that residents enjoyed throughout the year.
UAE Holidays 2025: Complete Public Holiday Calendar
The following table provides the confirmed national public holiday dates observed in the UAE during 2025.
| Public Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday |
| Eid Al Fitr | March 30 – April 1 | Sunday–Tuesday |
| Arafat Day | June 5 | Thursday |
| Eid Al Adha | June 6–8 | Friday–Sunday |
| Islamic New Year Holiday | June 27 | Friday |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Holiday | September 5 | Friday |
| UAE National Day Holiday | December 1–2 | Monday–Tuesday |
These dates reflect the holidays officially observed in 2025, including the confirmed Islamic holiday dates and the National Day holiday adjustment.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2025
New Year’s Day was the first official public holiday of 2025 in the UAE.
Celebrated on Wednesday, January 1, it marked the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Residents and tourists welcomed the occasion with fireworks, entertainment, family gatherings, and special celebrations.
Dubai is particularly famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations, including spectacular fireworks around Burj Khalifa.
The holiday provided an opportunity for employees to relax after the busy festive season and prepare for the year ahead.
Eid Al Fitr Holidays 2025
Eid Al Fitr is one of the most important Islamic celebrations in the UAE. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.
In 2025, the UAE officially confirmed Sunday, March 30, as the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
The public holiday continued until Tuesday, April 1, giving employees a three-day break.
During Eid Al Fitr, families traditionally gather for special meals, visit relatives, exchange gifts, and participate in charitable activities.
Shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment destinations often introduce special offers and activities during the Eid season.
For many residents, this holiday is also an opportunity to travel within the UAE or visit family members abroad.
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha 2025
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha provided one of the longest public holiday breaks of 2025.
The official holiday period began on Thursday, June 5, and continued until Sunday, June 8. Federal government employees returned to work on Monday, June 9.
What Is Arafat Day?
Arafat Day is observed on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
It is especially important for Muslims performing Hajj, as pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia.
Many Muslims who are not performing Hajj observe the day through prayer, fasting, and reflection.
How Is Eid Al Adha Celebrated?
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, follows Arafat Day.
Families celebrate by attending special prayers, sharing meals, visiting loved ones, and supporting people in need.
The four-day holiday period created an excellent opportunity for family activities and short vacations.
Islamic New Year Holiday – June 27, 2025
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar.
In 2025, the UAE federal government observed the Islamic New Year holiday on Friday, June 27.
The occasion commemorates the beginning of the Islamic calendar, which is associated with Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Madinah.
Unlike some other holidays, Islamic New Year is generally a quieter occasion focused on reflection and spiritual awareness.
Because the observed holiday fell on Friday, many employees with a Saturday-Sunday weekend enjoyed three consecutive days away from work.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – September 5, 2025
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, also known as Mawlid Al Nabi, is another important occasion in the UAE’s public holiday calendar.
The official holiday was observed on Friday, September 5, 2025, providing a three-day weekend for many employees.
The occasion honours the birth and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Many people spend the day learning about Islamic history, attending religious gatherings, and spending time with family.
The holiday also highlights the country’s respect for Islamic traditions and cultural heritage.
UAE National Day Holidays – December 1–2, 2025
UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, celebrates the formation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971.
In 2025, the country celebrated its 54th National Day.
The government announced Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2, as official paid holidays for both public and private sector employees.
How Is UAE National Day Celebrated?
National Day is one of the most colourful occasions in the country.
Popular celebrations include:
- Fireworks and light shows.
- Cultural exhibitions and traditional performances.
- Buildings decorated with UAE flags.
- Family entertainment and community activities.
- Special events at shopping malls and tourist destinations.
The celebrations bring together citizens and residents from different backgrounds to recognise the UAE’s history, achievements, and national identity.
Long Weekends During UAE Holidays 2025
Long weekends are particularly popular among UAE residents because they provide extra time for travel and relaxation.
Several public holidays created extended breaks in 2025.
| Holiday | Extended break |
|---|---|
| Eid Al Fitr | March 29 – April 1* |
| Eid Al Adha | June 5–8 |
| Islamic New Year | June 27–29 |
| Prophet’s Birthday | September 5–7 |
| UAE National Day | November 29 – December 2 |
*The Eid Al Fitr break includes Saturday, March 29, as a regular weekend day for employees following a Saturday-Sunday schedule.
These breaks gave residents opportunities to visit nearby destinations, enjoy staycations, and spend additional time with family.
Actual days off depended on individual employment schedules, especially for shift workers and essential service employees.
Public and Private Sector Holidays in the UAE
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the UAE established an official holiday framework covering both government and private sector employees.
The resolution came into effect on January 1, 2025. It also allowed certain non-Eid public holidays to be moved to the beginning or end of a week through a Cabinet decision.
Employees working in hospitals, hotels, transportation, emergency services, and other essential industries may follow different duty schedules.
Workers should always review their employer’s holiday announcements to understand their individual leave arrangements.
Best Places to Visit During UAE Public Holidays
Public holidays offer an excellent opportunity to explore the UAE without travelling abroad.
Dubai provides attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach, and Dubai Mall.
Abu Dhabi offers family-friendly destinations, including Yas Island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Saadiyat Island.
For visitors who prefer nature, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah provide mountain scenery, beaches, and outdoor activities.
Booking hotels and attractions early can be helpful because popular destinations may become busy during extended holiday periods.
Final Thoughts
The UAE holidays 2025 calendar included several important religious and national celebrations, offering residents opportunities to relax, travel, and spend time with loved ones.
From Eid Al Fitr in March to Eid Al Adha in June and National Day in December, these occasions reflected the country’s traditions and cultural identity.
Understanding the confirmed public holiday dates also helps businesses, employees, and travellers review past schedules and plan future activities more effectively.
FAQs
1. How many public holiday days were there in the UAE in 2025?
The UAE observed 14 official public holiday days in 2025, including New Year’s Day, Eid celebrations, Islamic holidays, and National Day. Some holidays overlapped with regular weekends.
2. When was Eid Al Fitr celebrated in the UAE in 2025?
Eid Al Fitr began on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The official holiday continued until Tuesday, April 1.
3. How many days were given for Eid Al Adha 2025?
The UAE observed four consecutive holiday days from Thursday, June 5, to Sunday, June 8, including Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha.
4. Were UAE public holidays the same for private and government employees?
The UAE’s official holiday framework covered both sectors. However, employees working in essential services or shift-based roles could have different working arrangements.
5. When was UAE National Day celebrated in 2025?
The UAE celebrated its 54th National Day on December 2, 2025. The official paid holiday was observed on December 1 and 2.
