From January 1, 2025, a new Cabinet resolution has come into effect in the UAE allowing certain public holidays to be shifted to the beginning or end of the week if they fall on a weekday.
The change, outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, aims to give residents the possibility of longer weekends and more predictable holiday breaks.
However, the law is not automatic and requires the Cabinet to issue a specific decision each year confirming which holidays will be shifted.
Which holidays can be transferred?
The rule applies to the following occasions:
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Gregorian New Year (January 1)
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Hijri New Year (1 Muharram)
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Prophet’s Birthday (12 Rabi’ Al Awwal)
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Arafat Day (9 Dhu al-Hijjah)
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UAE National Day (December 2–3)
These holidays may be moved if they fall in the middle of the workweek, provided no overlap occurs with other public holidays or weekends.
Which holidays cannot be moved?
The resolution makes clear that Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha are not transferable. The dates of these holidays are tied to Islamic rituals and observances, which cannot be altered.
How does it work in practice?
For example, in 2025, the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday will fall either on Thursday, September 4, or Friday, September 5, depending on the sighting of the Islamic month.
If it falls on Thursday, the Cabinet could decide to shift the holiday to the weekend to create a longer break. If it falls on Friday, residents would naturally enjoy a three-day weekend.
Similarly, the UAE’s 54th National Day will be marked on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3, 2025. While this creates a midweek holiday, the Cabinet could decide to move the break to align with the weekend, subject to an official announcement.
Key conditions
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Holidays cannot be shifted if they overlap with another public holiday.
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No transfers are allowed if the holiday already falls on a weekend.
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Employers must wait for the official holiday schedule; they cannot apply the rule on their own.
What this means for residents and employers
For residents, the resolution opens the door to more extended weekends, especially around New Year’s Day, National Day, or the Prophet’s Birthday. However, travel and leave plans should only be made after the Cabinet confirms which holidays will be shifted in a given year.
For employers, the rule provides flexibility but also requires close attention to official announcements before adjusting work schedules.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members