UAE Public Holidays 2025: All You Need to Know

The UAE has officially announced its public holiday schedule for 2025, providing residents and businesses ample time to plan their year. With several long weekends and additional potential days off, there’s plenty to look forward to in the upcoming year.

Official Public Holidays for 2025

The new holiday schedule, outlined in UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, includes a comprehensive list of official holidays for both the public and private sectors. Here’s the breakdown:

Gregorian New Year: January 1 (1 day)
Eid Al-Fitr: Shawwal 1–3 (3 days)*
Arafa Day: Dhu Al-Hijjah 9 (1 day)
Eid Al-Adha: Dhu Al-Hijjah 10–12 (3 days)
Hijri New Year: Muharram 1 (1 day)
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: Rabi Al Awwal 12 (1 day)
UAE National Day: December 2–3 (2 days)

*Note: If Ramadan lasts for 30 days, the 30th day of Ramadan will be an additional public holiday, extending the Eid Al-Fitr holiday.

Predicted UAE Public Holidays 2025

Here are the predicted dates for public holidays in 2025, based on lunar calculations and prior announcements:

New Year’s Day: January 1, 2025
Eid Al-Fitr: March 31 – April 2, 2025
Arafat Day: May 30, 2025
Eid Al-Adha: May 31 – June 2, 2025
Islamic New Year: June 27, 2025
The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday: September 1, 2025
National Day: December 2–3, 2025

Key Changes in Holiday Rules

Under the resolution, public holidays that fall on weekends (Friday or Saturday) may now be moved to the beginning or end of the week to ensure residents enjoy a full day off. However, this flexibility does not apply to religious holidays such as Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. For instance, if a holiday like Islamic New Year falls on a Saturday, the Cabinet could decide to observe the holiday on the preceding Friday or the following Monday, giving residents a long weekend.

More Flexibility for Local Governments

The resolution also allows local governments to designate additional public holidays for their departments and entities. This could be for occasions specific to certain emirates or other notable events.

Planning Ahead

While some holiday dates are fixed, others depend on the lunar calendar and moon sightings, such as Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. These will be confirmed closer to the respective dates, but residents can still anticipate the approximate timings. With at least 12 public holidays—and possibly more depending on moon sightings and Cabinet decisions—2025 is shaping up to offer numerous opportunities for relaxation and celebration.

What This Means for Residents

The introduction of more flexible scheduling ensures a better work-life balance, a priority for the UAE. Whether it’s a staycation, an overseas trip, or simply enjoying time with family, these holidays offer a chance to recharge and make lasting memories. Make sure to mark these dates on your calendar and stay tuned for official announcements on lunar-based holidays. Let 2025 be the year of well-planned breaks and unforgettable moments!