Living in the UAE means enjoying a vibrant mix of work and play. And for many, planning family getaways, long weekends, and personal time starts with one thing: the public holidays calendar. The UAE has officially released the list of public holidays for 2025, and there’s plenty to look forward to.
Whether you’re a resident planning a staycation or someone thinking of quick trips to nearby countries, these holidays offer golden opportunities to recharge and make memories.
Let’s take a month-by-month look at all the confirmed public holidays in 2025 and what they could mean for your year ahead.
New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1
The first public holiday of 2025 will kick off right at the beginning of the year. Wednesday, January 1, is a day off to celebrate New Year’s Day.
Since it falls midweek, you might not get a long weekend — but it’s a refreshing way to start the year with some downtime or a quick overnight trip.
Eid Al Fitr – Expected to Fall Between Sunday, March 30 to Wednesday, April 2
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is typically a multiple-day holiday. In 2025, Eid Al Fitr is expected to begin on Sunday, March 30. That could mean a break from Sunday through Wednesday, depending on moon sightings.
If confirmed, it would be one of the longest holidays of the first half of the year — a perfect time for travel or family gatherings. Residents often take this opportunity to visit loved ones abroad or escape to cooler climates.
Arafat Day – Expected to Fall on Friday, June 6
Arafat Day is a significant day in the Islamic calendar and marks the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage. In 2025, it is expected to fall on Friday, June 6.
This creates a long weekend, perfect for short getaways or a relaxing pause in the midst of the summer heat. With schools typically still in session, it’s also a welcome break for both students and parents.
Eid Al Adha – Expected from Saturday, June 7 to Monday, June 9
Following Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha begins. The holiday could span from Saturday, June 7 through Monday, June 9. While Saturday is a regular day off for many, Sunday and Monday would be public holidays.
If you’re smart with your leave, you could turn this into an extended break — especially with Arafat Day landing right before it. This holiday cluster makes June an exciting month to plan for.
Islamic New Year – Expected to Fall on Tuesday, June 24
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, is expected on Tuesday, June 24.
It’s a one-day holiday but creates a good midweek pause. Depending on your workplace’s flexibility, adding a day of annual leave on Monday or Wednesday could give you a well-earned extended weekend.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – Expected to Fall on Sunday, September 28
In 2025, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is expected to be observed on Sunday, September 28.
Although it’s part of a weekend for many, it’s still officially marked as a public holiday. It adds a spiritual and cultural touch to the calendar, often observed with peaceful gatherings and prayers.
Commemoration Day – Monday, December 1
Commemoration Day (formerly known as Martyrs’ Day) honors the Emiratis who have sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. It’s a solemn yet deeply significant day in the UAE.
Falling on a Monday, it could easily lead into the next major public holiday — a bonus for anyone looking to stretch out their year-end break.
UAE National Day – Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3
One of the most anticipated celebrations in the UAE, National Day marks the unification of the seven emirates in 1971.
In 2025, National Day brings with it two consecutive public holidays — Tuesday and Wednesday. With Commemoration Day on Monday, it adds up to a solid three-day break. If you take Sunday, November 30 off, you could enjoy a five-day holiday.
This stretch is perfect for family vacations, road trips across the country, or attending vibrant National Day parades, fireworks, and concerts that light up the entire nation.
How to Make the Most of These Holidays
For travel lovers, 2025 offers multiple opportunities to combine public holidays with weekends for longer breaks. Many of the holidays fall close to weekends, which means you can make smart use of your annual leave to create mini vacations throughout the year.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your year:
1. Book Early
Public holidays are peak travel times in the UAE. If you’re planning to travel abroad, especially to nearby destinations like Georgia, Armenia, Sri Lanka, or Turkey, book your tickets early. Prices rise fast, and accommodations get fully booked well in advance.
2. Explore Local Gems
If international travel isn’t in the cards, explore UAE’s own hidden treasures. Places like Hatta, Fujairah, Al Ain, and Liwa offer unique experiences from mountain adventures to desert escapes.
3. Plan Wellness Retreats
Short holidays can also be used for wellness breaks. Whether it’s a weekend yoga retreat in Ras Al Khaimah or a beachside spa staycation, consider using your time off for rest and mental reset.
4. Involve the Family
With kids’ school calendars often aligning with public holidays, you have the perfect chance to plan family bonding activities. Try out fun parks, museums, or beach picnics. Dubai Parks and Resorts, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, or even a dhow cruise are excellent options.
5. Combine Remote Work (If Possible)
If your job allows hybrid work or remote work, align your leave with nearby holidays. A day or two of working from a scenic location might help you get that long break without using up too many leave days.
Why Public Holidays Matter So Much
Beyond just the day off, public holidays in the UAE bring a sense of community, cultural appreciation, and national pride. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the country, these moments give you the chance to pause, reflect, and connect — with the nation, your loved ones, and even yourself.
Each holiday has its own flavor. From the spiritual depth of Eid to the patriotic celebrations of National Day, they remind us of the UAE’s rich cultural fabric. They’re not just breaks from work — they’re experiences.
Final Thoughts
The UAE’s 2025 public holiday calendar is generous and well spread out, offering people plenty of moments to take a break from the hustle. It’s a wonderful time to plan early, set your goals, and treat yourself to meaningful rest throughout the year.
So mark your calendars, talk to your HR about leave, and start dreaming about your next adventure. Whether it’s a mountain hike in the Northern Emirates or a plane ride to a new country, 2025 is giving you many chances to live fully.
And that’s definitely something to look forward to.
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