Following a recent resolution issued by the UAE Cabinet, UAE residents can look forward to up to 13 days off in 2025.
The announcement made effective from January 1, 2025, outlines the public holidays applicable to both the private and public sectors, in addition to the 30 days of annual leave that employees are entitled to each year.
The most notable change in the holiday schedule is for the Islamic festival Eid Al Fitr. Traditionally, the holiday spans from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3, but in 2025, the public holidays will be slightly adjusted.
The new resolution specifies that residents will have the first three days of Shawwal off, and if Ramadan lasts for 30 days, the 30th of Ramadan will also be a holiday.
This adjustment means residents could enjoy up to four days off for Eid Al Fitr, depending on the lunar calendar.
Here is a detailed look at the public holidays for 2025:
Happy New Year: January 1, 2025The year kicks off with a public holiday on Wednesday, January 1, providing residents with a mid-week break to celebrate the New Year.
Eid Al Fitr: March-April 2025Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and residents will have up to four days off. The holiday covers the first three days of Shawwal, and if Ramadan lasts 30 days, the 30th day of Ramadan will also be included.
This change means residents may have a shorter break compared to the nine-day holiday experienced in 2024, which included weekends.
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha: June 2025Arafah Day, falling on Dhul Hijjah 9, is considered one of the holiest days in Islam. It is followed by a three-day break for Eid Al Adha (Dhul Hijjah 10-12). This will result in a four-day holiday period for residents.
Hijri New Year: June 2025:The Islamic New Year, Muharram 1, will be a public holiday. This falls a couple of weeks after the Eid Al Adha break, offering residents another day off in June.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: September 2025Residents will get a day off on Rabi Al Awwal 12 to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is expected to fall in September.
UAE National Day: December 2-3, 2025The final public holidays of the year will be for the UAE National Day, celebrated over two days on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3. This provides a mid-week break for residents to participate in national celebrations.
Flexibility in Holiday Scheduling: According to the resolution, except for Eid holidays, all other public holidays can be moved to the beginning or end of the week through a UAE Cabinet decision.
However, if an official holiday falls on a weekend, it cannot be moved to a weekday. Additionally, the local government in each Emirate has the authority to announce extra holidays as deemed necessary.
This combination of public holidays and annual leaves allows UAE residents to take up to three extended vacations a year, contributing to a well-balanced work-life schedule.
The strategic placement of holidays provides ample opportunities for family gatherings, travel, and relaxation, ensuring that residents can make the most of their time off throughout the year.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members