Your Guide to National Holidays in UAE 2025

Balancing work and personal plans is tricky, especially when public holidays pop up unexpectedly or fall on weekdays. With the UAE’s 2025 holiday calendar now available, planning your time off is about to get a lot easier. 

Whether it’s a quick getaway or a few well-earned days to unwind, knowing when these breaks fall will help you stay ahead and make the most of the year’s holidays. So here's a look at the key public holidays in 2025, so you can start planning ahead and make the most of those well-deserved breaks..

In a glimpse:

Public holidays in United Arab Emirates 2025

Let's now look at all the long weekends and weekday holidays for both public and private sectors in 2025. We cross-checked with the islamic calendar already so you don't have to! 😉

New Year's Day (1st Jan)

New Year's Day on January 1st is the public holiday that says, 'Start fresh, but first—sleep in!' It’s the one day where the only deadline you should worry about is making it to brunch before it’s over.

Eid Al Fitr (29 March-1st April)

Eid-al-fitr holiday comes with public holidays that mark the end of Ramadan, a time of reflection, fasting, and spiritual renewal. The festivities are a much-needed break and a reminder to pause, connect, and enjoy the little things.

Arafat day (5th June)

Arafat Day is a national holiday in the UAE that’s all about spiritual reflection—so why not treat it as the perfect excuse for some peace and quiet? It’s the one day you can focus on deeper thoughts while enjoying the bliss of a relaxing day off.

Eid-al-adha (6th June-8th June)

The holiday fun doesn't end with Arafat Day! While Arafat Day is a time for reflection and spiritual pause, Eid al-Adha adds three more days of celebration, making it a long weekend. Of course, the exact dates may shift based on moon sightings. It’s still the perfect time for family gatherings, feasting, and even giving back. Also with these extended UAE public holidays, why not take a quick getaway?

Learn more: 4 Easy Ways To Boost Employee Engagement During The Holiday Season

Islamic New Year (26th June)

The Islamic New Year on June 26th is the UAE's chance to start fresh—well, sort of! While it’s a quieter public holiday than Eid or National Day, it’s a perfect excuse for a little personal reset. Think of it as the New Year, minus the fireworks and confetti, but with plenty of time to reflect, relax, and recharge.

Prophet muhammad's pbuh birthday (4th September)

Prophet's Birthday, or Mawlid al-Nabi, on this public holiday, the UAE takes a moment to honor the Prophet’s life and teachings. It's less about fireworks and more about introspection, with a dash of celebration.

Learn more: Decoding HR Policies in UAE

Commemoration Day (1st December)

Commemoration Day isn’t just another official holiday—it’s a time to honor the brave Emirati martyrs who helped shape the UAE. This day on the Islamic calendar is meant to remember the journey the UAE has taken and give thanks in a meaningful way.

National Day (2nd December)

National Day is a massive celebration in the UAE! It’s the perfect time to celebrate the nation’s founding and reflect on the incredible journey it’s taken since 1971. Picture dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky, lively parades, and events that shine a spotlight on the UAE’s culture and accomplishments.

National Day Holiday (3rd December)

We weren’t kidding when we said we'd give you weekend vibes in the middle of the week. UAE's national day falls on on December 3rd, which gives you the chance to keep the celebrations rolling with parades, fireworks, and a whole lot of pride. And the best part? It’s a third consecutive holiday, making this one of the most epic holiday stretches!

Also Read: What is Restricted Holiday | Meaning & Definition

Holiday tracking made easy with Darwinbox

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FAQs

How many days is UAE national holiday?

The UAE National Day will be celebrated on December 2, 2025 and public sector employees will typically enjoy a two-day holiday, including December 3, depending on government announcements.

What national holidays are in each month?

The UAE will have the following public holidays in 2025:

• New Year's Day - January 1 (Wednesday)
• Eid al-Fitr - March 29 – April 1 (Monday-Thursday)
• Arafat Day - June 5 (Thursday)
• Eid al-Adha - June 6–8 (Friday–Sunday), with the main day on June 6 (Friday)
• Islamic New Year - June 26 (Friday)
• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday - September 4 (Thursday)
• Commemoration Day - December 1 (Monday)
• National Day - December 2–3 (Tuesday–Wednesday)

How many public holidays are there in the UAE?

In 2025, the UAE will enjoy at least 12 public holidays. There’s even a chance for an extra day if Ramadan runs a full 30 days, just like it did in 2024.

Is December 3 a holiday in the UAE?

Indeed, the UAE will continue to celebrate National Day by declaring December 3 a public holiday.

When is Eid in the year 2025?

Celebrations for Eid al-Fitr will start on March 29 and last through April 1, while Eid al-Adha will happen from June 6 to June 8.