First public holiday of 2025: UAE announces mid-week break for New Year’s Day
Government employees set to enjoy a day off on January 1, 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially announced that January 1, 2025, will be a public holiday for government employees, marking the first day off of the New Year.
The announcement from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources ensures a refreshing mid-week break for all public sector workers as they celebrate the New Year.
This holiday is part of the UAE’s wider public holiday calendar for 2025, which will see 13 days off throughout the year.
First public holiday of 2025
Government employees will get a much-needed break to ring in the New Year on Wednesday, January 1, offering the perfect opportunity for a longer, mid-week weekend.
إجازة رأس السنة الميلادية في الحكومة الاتحادية الأربعاء 1 يناير 2025.
— FAHR (@FAHR_UAE) December 20, 2024
New Year Holiday in the Federal Government is on Wednesday, 1st January, 2025. pic.twitter.com/DQEaNmYy1X
This public holiday is the first in a series of holidays confirmed by the UAE Cabinet earlier in the year, which also includes some notable changes to the traditional schedule.
Key changes for Eid Al Fitr
Among the changes for 2025 is the shorter duration of the Eid Al Fitr holiday. While this celebration has traditionally given residents up to nine days off, the 2025 holiday will be shortened to a three- to four-day break. The holiday will span from Shawwal 1 to Shawwal 3 and, if Ramadan lasts for 30 days, an additional day will be added. However, if the month ends after 29 days, only three days will be observed.
Arafah and Eid Al Adha
In 2025, Arafah Day, on May 30, will be a holiday for both the public and private sectors, marking the first day of Eid Al Adha. This will be followed by a three-day Eid Al Adha break from May 31 to June 2, allowing residents to commemorate this important Islamic festival.
Additional adjustments
In addition to these key holidays, Islamic New Year on June 27, and the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on September 1, will be observed with one-day holidays. The UAE also has provisions for moving public holidays if they fall on a weekend, ensuring extended breaks for everyone.
UAE National Day, the last major holiday of the year, will bring a two-day celebration on December 2-3, rounding out 2025 with another extended weekend.
With these changes, the UAE’s public holiday calendar for 2025 provides a good balance of traditional religious observances and well-timed breaks, making it a year to look forward to.