UAE public holidays for 2025: Shorter break for Eid Al Fitr likely next year

UAE public holidays

In 2025, UAE residents can look forward to up to 13 days of public holidays, according to a resolution issued by the UAE Cabinet. The resolution, which is effective from January 1, 2025, outlines the specific holidays and introduces a notable change for the Eid Al Fitr holiday.

The holidays are applicable to employees in both the private and public sectors and are in addition to the 30 days of annual leave that employees are entitled to each year. This combination of public holidays and annual leave allows residents to potentially enjoy up to three vacations throughout the year.

Most of the public holidays are based on the Islamic Hijri calendar, with dates announced according to the sighting of the Moon. The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar will be confirmed closer to each occasion.

Here is the full list of public holidays for 2025:

- Happy New Year: Residents will start the year with a day off on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

- Eid Al Fitr: Up to four days off in March-April. The holiday will be observed for the first three days of Shawwal, following Ramadan. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, residents will get a holiday from the 30th of Ramadan to Shawwal 3, totaling four days. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, the holiday will be from Shawwal 1 to 3.

- Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha:Four days off in June. Arafah Day, which is on Dhul Hijjah 9, will be followed by a three-day break for Eid Al Adha from Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12.

-  Hijri New Year: One day off in June on Muharram 1, a couple of weeks after the Eid Al Adha break.

- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: One day off in September on Rabi Al Awwal 12.

- UAE National Day:Two days off in December on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3, marking the final public holiday of the year.

The resolution also allows for flexibility in moving certain holidays, excluding the Eid holidays, to the beginning or end of the week through a UAE Cabinet decision. However, if an official holiday falls on a weekend, it cannot be moved to a weekday. Additionally, local governments in each Emirate may announce extra holidays as necessary.

This comprehensive list of holidays ensures that UAE residents have ample time to rest, celebrate, and enjoy quality time with family and friends throughout the year.