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Can you imagine that October has elapsed? Now that the year is so far into the busy stretch of 2025, it seems as if time is flying.
In 2025, the UAE had eight official public holidays. Including Eid-ul-Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid-ul-Adha, Islamic New Year and the Prophet’s Birthday. It also has Commemoration Day, UAE National Day, and New Year’s Eve. These holidays give people a chance to celebrate, plan and travel.
What are the Public Holidays in the UAE?
Public holidays in the UAE are the days when government offices, businesses, and the majority of other institutions close. These are paid holidays during which friends and family get together to celebrate. Thereby, fostering a sense of community, and reinforcing the nation’s identity. They provide the UAE’s population with the opportunity to observe cultural, religious, and national days. Taking on a significant role in the promotion of work-life balance, unity and social harmony.
A calendar of UAE public holidays planned for the year 2025 is provided below. Their exact dates are mentioned to facilitate your scheduling and organization of work.
Official Public Holidays in the UAE in 2025
During the public holidays, the majority of companies and government offices in the UAE are not open. Thus, the priority becomes organizing your time effectively and managing holiday schedules. So, don’t forget to rent a car in Dubai to have the best experience.
| Date | Day | No. of Days | Holiday |
| 8 April | Monday | 9 | Eid-ul-Fitr |
| 15 June | Saturday | 1 | Arafat Day |
| 16 June | Sunday | 3 | Eid-ul-Adha |
| 7 July | Sunday | 1 | Islamic New Year |
| 15 September | Sunday | 1 | Prophet’s Birthday |
| 1 December | Sunday | 1 | Commemoration Day |
| 2 December | Monday | 1 | UAE National Day |
| 1 January | Monday | 1 | New Year’s Eve |
Upcoming Holidays in UAE
When it comes to extended public holidays in the UAE this year, we have been really lucky. As the Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha give us extra time off from work. Although we may not have holidays as long as those in April. But we can still enjoy a few days off before the end of the year.
The subsequent Commemoration Day, National Day, and New Year 2025 extended weekends in December. National Day will be the cause of a whopping four-day weekend.
Commemoration Day – December 1, 2025
Commemoration Day, previously called Martyrs’ Day, is a national holiday. It is dedicated to Emirati martyrs’ who sacrificed their lives for military, civilian, and humanitarian services. This day is held on December 1 every year. It is the day before the UAE National Day therefore it provides a long weekend at the start of the month.
UAE National Day – December 2, 2025
The UAE National Day on December 2 denotes the unification of the Emirates. It is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and other vibrant displays of national pride. The day associates Emiratis and residents’ celebration of the nation’s history and transformation.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2025
New Year’s Day in the UAE is celebrated with spectacular fireworks and other activities. Such as viewing shows, particularly at the Burj Khalifa. Marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Day is on Monday, Jan 1, 2025. Thus, giving everyone a full day to spend with their loved ones.
Which are the Long Weekends in 2025?
As for the UAE National Day, it will be a four-day weekend for the residents. Monday, December 2, is the main day off, with public holidays on both Monday and Tuesday, December 3. It will be the last of the year. Adding a weekend will lead to a total of four days.
UAE Public Holidays in 2025
The UAE Cabinet has made known the official holidays for 2025. Thus, we can briefly make plans for the next year. It is expected that there will be at least 12 public holidays. We can get an extra day off if Ramadan fasts for 30 days like in 2025.
The actual schedules of each occasion may alter with the rising and setting of the moon. We, however, know that the following occasions are the ones we shall have off in 2025:
- January 1, 2025: New Year’s Day
- Hafiz 29: Eid Al Fitr holiday
- Hafiz Random: If Hafiz is a thirty-day month
- Shawwal 1, 2, and 3: Eid Al Fitr holiday
- Dhu Al Hijjah 9: Arafat Day
- Dhu Al Hijjah 10-12: Eid Al Adha
- Muharram 1: Islamic New Year
- Rabi Al Awwal 12: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
- December 2-3: UAE National Day
Predicted UAE Public Holidays in 2025
- 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
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: September 1, 2025
- Commemoration Day: December 1, 2025
- National Day: December 2-3, 2025
Background of UAE Public Holidays
Eid-ul-Fitr Holiday (April 8–10, 2025)
Eid-ul-Fitr is the occasion at the end of the Ramadan month and the beginning of the Shawwal month. Ramadan began on March 11, with Eid expected on April 10. The council made this holiday period lasting for the five days from April 8 to 12.
Arafat Day (June 15, 2025)
Arafat Day, which is the day of fasting for Muslims is when one stays humble and prays. Especially during the period of Hajj pilgrimage. The observation is annual and it took place on Saturday the 15th June in 2018. This day is a very special day, and on the next day, Sunday, the first day of Eid-ul-Adha was celebrated.
Eid-ul-Adha (June 16–18, 2025)
Eid-ul-Adha is famous as the Festival of Sacrifice. It commemorates the readiness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in an act of faith. It was celebrated in Dhu Al-Hijjah on June 16, which was the first day of the holiday. It lasts until June 18. Thus, making a four-day holiday including Arafat Day.
Islamic New Year – July 7, 2025
The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, is actually the beginning of the lunar calendar. It is not like the Gregorian New Year, which is generally marked by celebrating with big fireworks, and parties. This day is a public holiday which is one of the most important holidays. As it brings a day-off for all public and private sector employees in the UAE. The Islamic year started on Sunday, July 7, 2024, the first day of Muharram.
Prophet’s Birthday – September 15, 2025
Mawlid al-Nabi, or the Prophet’s Birthday, marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This is a day marked as a public holiday throughout the UAE. During which residents are given a chance to reflect and celebrate. This day took place on Sunday, September 15 in the year 2025. With employees going back to work on Monday, September 16.
Conclusion
The municipal holidays of 2025 in the UAE bring together a variety of important cultural and religious festivals. These allow the people to celebrate, reflect and connect with family and friends. With the holidays totaling eight such occasions also help to support work-life balance. As it is essential for the socially integrated community. The longest break this year was during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday in April, which was 8 days off. This long vacation and the other short weekends provide enough forum to plan holidays.
