Complete list of UAE public holidays in 2025
Plan smart to maximise your time off
UAE residents are in for plenty of opportunities to enjoy extended breaks in 2025, thanks to a well-structured calendar of official public holidays. With thoughtful planning, you can stretch the 13 official holidays into a much more extended vacation.
Here is a breakdown of how to make the most of your time off this year.
January: 5 days (New Year’s holiday)
Although the New Year’s holiday has passed, those who planned wisely enjoyed a five-day weekend. By taking leave on Thursday, January 2, and Friday, January 3, in addition to the regular weekend, residents had the chance to unwind for an extended period.
April: 9 days (Eid Al Fitr)
Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, gives residents four days off this year. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the holiday will span from the 30th to the 3rd of Shawwal. If it lasts shorter, only the first three days of Shawwal will be holidays. If Eid falls from Monday, March 31, to Wednesday, April 2, taking leave on Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, will extend the break to nine days.
June: 10 days (Arafah Day/Eid Al Adha)
Arafah Day on June 6 (a Friday) marks one of the holiest days in Islam, followed by a three-day break for Eid Al Adha. If you take leave from Tuesday, June 10, to Friday, June 13, you can create a 10-day vacation, perfect for a summer getaway, before returning to work on Monday, June 16.
June: 3 days (Islamic New Year)
A few weeks after Eid Al Adha, the Islamic New Year holiday falls on Friday, June 27. Combined with the Saturday-Sunday weekend, this will give you a well-deserved three-day break.
September: 9 days (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday)
Friday, September 5, is a holiday marked by the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For those looking to extend the break, applying for four days of leave can transform this into a nine-day holiday lasting until Sunday, September 7.
December: 9 days (UAE National Day)
UAE National Day is celebrated on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3. However, by taking leave on Monday, December 1, Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5, you can turn this two-day holiday into a complete nine-day break, including both weekends.
With some strategic planning, UAE residents can make the most of their 2025 public holidays and enjoy longer, more relaxing breaks throughout the year.
Hero image: Fireworks over the iconic Moreeb Dune in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, usher in 2025 for thousands of desert adventure enthusiasts on December 31, 2024. Credit: Arnold Pinto
