DUBAI: The UAE Cabinet has officially announced the public holidays for 2025, marking a year full of extended breaks for both private and public sector workers.
While some holidays will be fixed, others will depend on the sighting of the moon.
UAE public holidays for 2025
New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025): The first public holiday of the year falls on Wednesday, offering a refreshing mid-week break to start 2025.
Eid Al Fitr (March 31 – April 2, 2025): A three-day holiday from Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3, to mark the end of Ramadan. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, a fourth day will be added to the break, as the 30th day of Ramadan will also be a public holiday.
Arafat Day (May 30, 2025): A one-day holiday for public and private sector workers, observed on the 9th of Dhu Al Hijjah, the day before Eid Al Adha. The exact date will be confirmed based on the moon sighting.
Eid Al Adha (May 31 – June 2, 2025): A three-day break from Dhu Al Hijjah 10 to 12 to celebrate Eid Al Adha, which commemorates the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim.
Islamic New Year (June 27, 2025): A one-day holiday on the first of Muharram, marking the Islamic New Year. The exact date will depend on the lunar calendar, as the Islamic year follows the moon.
Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Birthday (September 1, 2025): A one-day holiday on the 12th of Rabi Al Awwal, the day to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Like other Islamic holidays, the exact date will be confirmed through moon sighting.
UAE National Day (December 2-3, 2025): The final public holiday of the year celebrates the UAE’s unification, with a two-day break falling on Tuesday and Wednesday, ensuring a festive close to 2025.
The UAE Cabinet also clarified that if any public holiday falls on a weekend, it may be moved to the beginning or end of the week, allowing for a longer break. This policy does not apply to Eid holidays, which will remain fixed.
Public holidays in 2025 apply to both public and private sector workers, ensuring nationwide celebrations.