“Wait… do we have a holiday coming up”
If you’ve ever whispered that across your desk or frantically Googled it during a long work week, you’re not alone. In the UAE, where fast paced workdays blur into each other, public holidays are the little reset buttons we all secretly (or not so secretly) live for. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway, a lazy weekend at home, or just need a break from the endless Outlook notifications.
Here is your ultimate guide to UAE public holidays in 2025 so you can plan your holidays smarter, avoid the last minute panic before logging off from work, and finally answer the question we’re all asking: when is the next long weekend?
Official UAE Public Holiday Dates for 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially announced the public holidays for 2025. There are a total of eight public holidays this year:
- New Year’s Day
- Eid Al Fitr
- Arafat Day
- Eid Al Adha
- Islamic New Year
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- Commemoration Day
- UAE National Day
Public holidays in the UAE are important days when schools, businesses, and government offices close, and employees get paid time off. These holidays are more than just a break, they’re a chance to celebrate the country’s culture, religion, and national pride. They also help people relax, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy community events.
Knowing the official holiday dates can help you plan your time off and enjoy long weekends in 2025.
Here are the public holidays for 2025:
New Year’s Day (January 1st, 2025)
New Year’s Day in the UAE is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. The skies light up with spectacular fireworks, and cities come alive with parties, concerts, and public events. It’s a joyful occasion that marks a fresh start to the new year, as people come together to celebrate new beginnings and set positive intentions for the year ahead. This holiday falls on January 1st, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar.
Eid Al Fitr (30th March to 3rd April 2025)
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time of joy, gratitude, and community, observed with communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of charity. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, which means Eid Al Fitr will likely fall on Sunday, March 30.
As per tradition, holidays are granted from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3, which would make the official Eid break from March 30 to April 3, giving residents a five-day holiday. The exact end of Ramadan depends on when the Shawwal moon is sighted, so the final dates might change. Regardless, Eid Al Fitr continues to be one of the most cherished celebrations in the UAE, bringing families and communities together in a spirit of generosity and renewal.
Arafat Day (5th June 2025)
Arafat Day is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, deeply connected to the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. It commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon delivered on Mount Arafat, and is observed with prayers, reflection, and spiritual devotion.
As a public holiday in the UAE, it offers a chance for individuals to pause and engage in personal reflection and worship. In 2025, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5, based on astronomical calculations. It is observed the day before Eid Al Adha, making it a pivotal spiritual moment that prepares believers for the festivities that follow.
Eid Al Adha (6th – 8th June 2025)
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is the second and most significant Islamic festival. It honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as a sign of obedience to God. Families mark the occasion by sacrificing an animal and sharing the meat with relatives, friends, and those in need.
The holiday is a time for faith, reflection, and generosity. In 2025, the UAE Moon Sighting Committee expects Eid Al Adha to begin on Friday, June 6, following Arafat Day on Thursday, June 5. As a result, the official holiday will run from June 5 to June 8, giving residents four days off to celebrate with their loved ones.
Islamic New Year (26th June, 2025)
Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates the Hijrah the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina.
Unlike other holidays, it is a quiet and reflective day, observed with prayers and remembrance. In 2025, the Islamic New Year is expected to fall on Sunday, June 29, based on the moon sighting. As it is a public holiday in the UAE, many use the day to pause, reflect, and spend time with family.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (5th September 2025)
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, also known as Mawlid Al Nabi, is a day to honor the birth of the last Prophet of Islam. It is observed with prayers, gatherings, and reflections on his life, teachings, and message of peace and compassion.
While celebrations may vary, the day is generally marked with spiritual events and community activities. In 2025, the Prophet’s birthday is expected to be on Monday, September 1, and will be observed as a public holiday in the UAE, offering a moment of gratitude, unity, and remembrance.
Commemoration Day (1st December 2025)
Commemoration Day, previously known as Martyrs’ Day, is observed on December 1st each year in the UAE. It is a day to honor and remember the Emirati soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation.
The day is marked with ceremonies, flags at half-mast, and moments of silent reflection across the country. As a public holiday, it gives residents the opportunity to reflect on national pride, unity, and the bravery of those who served. In 2025, Commemoration Day will fall on Monday, December 1.
UAE National Day (2nd December 2025)
UAE National Day is celebrated every year on December 2nd, marking the unity of the seven emirates and the founding of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. It is one of the happiest occasions in the country, celebrated with fireworks, parades, cultural performances, and national decorations across cities.
In 2025, UAE National Day falls on Tuesday, December 2, and is observed as a public holiday, often combined with Commemoration Day for an extended break. It’s a time when citizens and residents alike come together to celebrate the UAE’s unity, progress, and rich heritage.
Conclusion:
Public holidays in the UAE are more than just days off. They are meaningful moments that reflect the nation’s heritage, values, and unity. Whether rooted in religious traditions or national pride, these holidays offer a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect with loved ones. With the official list of UAE public holidays for 2025, you can now plan your time wisely, make the most of long weekends, and fully embrace the spirit of each celebration.
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