UAE residents can look forward to as many as 13 public holidays in 2025, offering multiple opportunities for extended breaks. A resolution issued by the UAE Cabinet outlines the holiday schedule, which applies to employees in both the private and public sectors. The new directive takes effect from January 1, 2025, Khaleej Times reported.
Notably, the holiday for Eid Al Fitr will see a slight change next year. Residents could enjoy up to four days off for this Islamic festival, depending on the sighting of the Moon. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the holiday will span from Ramadan 30 to Shawwal 3. If it lasts 29 days, the break will cover only the first three days of Shawwal.
In addition to Eid Al Fitr, other significant holidays include:
- Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha: Four days off in June.
- Hijri New Year: One day off in June.
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: One day off in September.
- UAE National Day: Two days off on December 2 and 3.
These holidays are in addition to the 30 annual leave days that employees are entitled to, giving residents the chance to plan up to three vacations throughout the year.
Most of the holiday dates will be based on the Islamic Hijri calendar, with exact Gregorian dates announced closer to the respective occasions. Non-Eid holidays may be moved to the beginning or end of the week through a Cabinet decision, but holidays that fall on weekends will not be shifted to weekdays.
The resolution also allows local governments in each Emirate to declare additional holidays as needed.
