Full List of UAE's Official Public Holidays in 2025

Jenny Lee October 19, 2024 | 10:33

The United Arab Emirates Cabinet has just recently revealed the official holidays that will be observed in the year 2025. There are both public and private sectors involved.

Full List of UAE's Official Public Holidays in 2025

Public Holidays in UAE 2025

The UAE Cabinet resolution No. 27 of 2024, which was published in the Official Gazette (the official publication of the UAE Government's laws and decrees), explains how the government plans to handle public and private holidays in 2025.

Learn more: 2025 UAE Calendar - Full List of the National Holidays, Observances And Celebrations

A Complete of UAE Public Holidays for 2025

These are the holidays that have been confirmed for the public and private sectors of the UAE in 2025:

• As has been the tradition in recent years, a one-day holiday on January 1 (Wednesday), 2025 to celebrate the Gregorian New Year.

• Eid Al Fitr is a three-day holiday from Shawwal 1-3 (depending on the moon sighting). If Ramadan lasts longer than 30 days, another day may be added.

• There will be one day off for Arafat Day (Dhu Al Hijjah 9) and three additional days for Eid Al Adha (Dhu Al Hijjah 10-12).

• The Islamic New Year will be celebrated for one day on Muharram 1 (Gregorian Calendar date to be confirmed).

• The calendar includes holidays for Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) birthday (which falls on Rabi Al Awwal 12, Gregorian Calendar date to be confirmed).

• It also appears that next year, we will have December 2 and 3 (Tuesday and Wednesday) to commemorate Commemoration Day and celebrate the 54th UAE Union Day (formerly National Day).

Gregorian Calendar Dates

It is beneficial to have a general understanding of the Gregorian Calendar dates that correspond to these Islamic holidays in order to facilitate the planning of vacations and leave.

In order to reserve those leave days in advance, it is necessary to be aware of the Gregorian Calendar (the traditional 12 solar month format of January, February, etc.) dates that correspond with those of the Hijri (or Islamic) Calendar as outlined in the aforementioned provisions.

The Islamic Calendar is unsynchronized with the Gregorian calendar, as it is based on moon phase cycles rather than the solar orbit-based, 365.25 day year of the Gregorian calendar. Consequently, the dates will fluctuate in relation to one another as each year passes. For instance, in 2023, Eid al Fitr commenced on April 21, and in 2024, it commenced on April 10.

Ramadan is anticipated to commence on Saturday, March 1st, according to astronomical predictions. Consequently, it is probable that Eid Al Fitr will occur between Monday, March 31st, and Wednesday, April 2nd. Arafat Day is scheduled for Friday, May 30th, and it will be followed by Eid Al Adha celebrations from Saturday, May 31st, to Wednesday, June 2nd. The Islamic New Year is anticipated to take place on Friday, June 27th, and Prophet Mohammed's birthday is anticipated to occur on Monday, September 1st.

• The date of Eid Al Fitr may occur between Monday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 2.

• The National's feature further implies that "Arafat Day is anticipated to occur on Friday, May 30, resulting in Eid Al Adha falling from Saturday, May 31, to Wednesday, June 2."

• This would result in the Islamic New Year being observed on "Friday, June 27." The birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) will occur on Monday, September 1.

• Additionally, Commemoration Day and UAE Union Day (formerly known as National Day) will be observed as holidays. The 2025 UAE Union Day celebrations will span from Tuesday, December 2 to Wednesday, December 3.

Major Islamic Holidays

On Wednesday, January 1st, as is customary, the world will celebrate the Gregorian New Year. After that comes the much-anticipated Eid Al Fitr, a three-day festival whose precise dates are decided by the moon sighting. The Eid Al Fitr holiday might be extended by one day to make room for a 30-day Ramadan.

During the third full week of the Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijjah, there will be another major festival, Eid Al Adha. Based on lunar observations, we will also confirm the exact dates of this celebration. Additionally, Muharram 1, the Islamic New Year, and Arafat Day each have their own designated day.

Other Holidays

A day off is scheduled for Rabi Al Awwal 12 for those who are commemorating the life and teachings of Prophet Mohammed. The government of the United Arab Emirates has also declared December 2nd and 3rd as holidays in observance of the 54th UAE Union Day and in honor of the nation's history.

What if those holidays fall on a weekend?

The second part of resolution No. 27 of 2024 states that “with the exception of Eid holidays, any of the official holidays mentioned in article No.1 may be carried over by a Cabinet decision to the beginning or end of the week”.

There’s also a resolution inclusion that declares “local governments may approve any other official holidays not mentioned in this resolution for their government departments and institutions on special occasions or for any other reason.”

In Conclusion

Individuals and businesses in the United Arab Emirates are able to effectively plan their vacations and activities throughout the year if they have a thorough understanding of the anticipated holiday schedule. It is also recommended that you stay up to date on any official announcements that are made closer to the holidays, as there may be some minor adjustments or additional information provided.

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