As we progress through 2025, residents and visitors of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a series of public holidays to look forward to. These holidays not only offer a chance to celebrate significant cultural and religious events but also provide opportunities to plan extended breaks. With strategic planning, it’s possible to maximize time off, turning official holidays into longer vacations.
Official Public Holidays in 2025
The UAE government has announced the following public holidays for 2025:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Eid Al-Fitr: Sunday, March 30 to Tuesday, April 1
- Arafat Day: Thursday, June 5
- Eid Al-Adha: Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8
- Islamic New Year: Thursday, June 26
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: Friday, September 5
- Commemoration Day: Monday, December 1
- UAE National Day: Tuesday, December 2 to Wednesday, December 3
These dates are based on official announcements and are subject to change, especially those determined by lunar sightings. It’s advisable to stay updated through official channels for any adjustments.
Maximizing Your Time Off
With a total of 13 official public holidays, employees can strategically plan their annual leave to extend their time off significantly. By aligning leave days with weekends and public holidays, one can enjoy up to 45 days off throughout the year. Here’s how:
1. Eid Al-Fitr Break (March 30 – April 5):
- Public Holidays: Sunday, March 30 to Tuesday, April 1
- Suggested Leave: Wednesday, April 2 to Thursday, April 3
- Weekends: Friday, April 4 to Saturday, April 5
By taking two days off (April 2 and 3), you can enjoy a six-day break.
2. Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha Extended Break (June 5 – June 14):
- Public Holidays: Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8
- Suggested Leave: Monday, June 9 to Thursday, June 12
- Weekends: Friday, June 13 to Saturday, June 14
By taking four days off (June 9 to 12), you can extend your break to ten days.
3. Islamic New Year Long Weekend (June 26 – June 28):
- Public Holiday: Thursday, June 26
- Weekends: Friday, June 27 to Saturday, June 28
No additional leave is required to enjoy a three-day weekend.
4. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Long Weekend (September 5 – September 7):
- Public Holiday: Friday, September 5
- Weekends: Saturday, September 6 to Sunday, September 7
This results in another three-day weekend without the need for extra leave.
5. Commemoration Day and National Day Extended Break (December 1 – December 7):
- Public Holidays: Monday, December 1 to Wednesday, December 3
- Suggested Leave: Thursday, December 4
- Weekends: Friday, December 5 to Saturday, December 6
By taking one day off (December 4), you can enjoy a seven-day break.
By strategically planning your leave around these public holidays, you can maximize your time off, turning 13 official holidays into 45 days of vacation.
Cultural Significance of the Holidays
Understanding the importance of these public holidays adds depth to the celebrations:
- Eid Al-Fitr: Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It’s a time for communal prayers, feasting, and acts of charity.
- Arafat Day: Observed on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, it commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Farewell Sermon.
- Eid Al-Adha: Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” it honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command.
- Islamic New Year: Also called Hijri New Year, it marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year.
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), reflecting on his life and teachings.
- Commemoration Day: Honors the Emirati martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the nation.
- UAE National Day: Celebrates the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, marked by nationwide festivities.
Planning Tips
- Stay Informed: Holiday dates, especially those based on lunar sightings, can change. Regularly check official announcements for updates.
- Early Planning: Submit leave requests well in
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