Planning your year in the UAE just got easier! Whether you’re scheduling business operations, organizing family gatherings, or planning your next getaway, knowing the official public holidays in advance is essential. As UAE residents know, these special days offer precious opportunities to pause, celebrate cultural heritage, and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
At a Glance: UAE Public Holidays 2025 Calendar
| Holiday | Date | Day | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | 1 day |
| Eid Al-Fitr | March 30 – April 3 | Sunday – Thursday | 5 days |
| Arafat Day | June 5 | Thursday | 1 day |
| Eid Al-Adha | June 6-8 | Friday – Sunday | 3 days |
| Islamic New Year | June 26 | Thursday | 1 day |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | September 5 | Friday | 1 day |
| Commemoration Day | November 30 | Sunday | 1 day |
| UAE National Day | December 2 | Tuesday | 1 day |
Why UAE Public Holidays Matter
Public holidays in the UAE are more than just days off work—they represent the rich cultural tapestry and values that define this nation. These official breaks allow residents and citizens to:
- Honor religious traditions and spiritual practices
- Celebrate national achievements and heritage
- Strengthen family bonds and community connections
- Achieve better work-life balance in a fast-paced environment
- Boost tourism and domestic spending during holiday periods
For HR professionals and business owners, understanding these dates is crucial for operational planning. For families, these holidays offer precious opportunities to create lasting memories.
Detailed Guide to UAE Public Holidays 2025
1. New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)
What to expect: The year begins with a public holiday on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. While the major New Year’s Eve celebrations happen the night before with spectacular fireworks at iconic locations like Burj Khalifa and Atlantis The Palm, January 1st offers a day of rest to recover from the festivities and start the year refreshed.
Planning tip: Dubai’s popular attractions and restaurants will be crowded during this period, so make reservations well in advance if you plan to celebrate outside your home.
2. Eid Al-Fitr (March 30 – April 3, 2025)
Background: Marking the end of Ramadan (the holy month of fasting), Eid Al-Fitr is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. The holiday begins with the sighting of the new moon, signaling the start of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
2025 dates: Based on astronomical predictions, Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday, February 28, 2025, making Eid Al-Fitr likely to fall on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The public holiday period typically extends from the 29th of Ramadan to the 3rd of Shawwal, resulting in a generous five-day break from March 30 to April 3, 2025.
Traditions: Families gather for special prayers, exchange gifts, wear new clothes, and enjoy festive meals. Many also practice charitable giving, an essential aspect of this celebration.
Planning tip: This extended break offers an excellent opportunity for a short international trip or staycation. However, remember that many residents travel during this period, so book accommodations and flights several months in advance.
3. Arafat Day (June 5, 2025)
Significance: Arafat Day marks the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and is considered one of the most sacred days in Islam. Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat to pray and seek forgiveness.
2025 date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Planning tip: Even if you’re not performing Hajj, this day offers an opportunity for spiritual reflection. Many Muslims who aren’t on pilgrimage observe fasting on this day.
4. Eid Al-Adha (June 6-8, 2025)
Background: Often called the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid Al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is considered the holier of the two Eid celebrations in Islam.
2025 dates: The festival is expected to begin on Friday, June 6, 2025, and last through Sunday, June 8, 2025. When combined with Arafat Day (June 5), this creates a four-day holiday period.
Traditions: The celebration includes prayer, sacrifice of livestock (with meat distributed to family, friends, and those in need), family gatherings, and festive meals.
Planning tip: If you’re planning to celebrate at home, order your sacrificial animal early through approved suppliers. For those considering travel, remember that this is a busy period across the Muslim world.
5. Islamic New Year (June 26, 2025)
Significance: Marking the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri year 1447), Islamic New Year falls on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.
2025 date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Observance: Unlike the Gregorian New Year celebrations, Islamic New Year is typically observed with quiet reflection, prayer, and remembrance of Islamic history.
Planning tip: This one-day holiday offers a mid-week break – perfect for a day of relaxation or spiritual renewal.
6. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (September 5, 2025)
Significance: This holiday celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the founder of Islam and its final prophet.
2025 date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Observance: The day is marked with religious lectures, special prayers, and recitation of poetry praising the Prophet.
Planning tip: This holiday falls on a Friday in 2025, creating a natural weekend extension without disrupting the work week.
7. Commemoration Day (November 30, 2025)
Background: Formerly known as Martyrs’ Day, Commemoration Day honors the sacrifices of UAE citizens who have given their lives in service to their country through civil, military, or humanitarian work.
2025 date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Observance: The day typically begins with a minute of silence and the lowering of flags to half-mast, followed by official ceremonies honoring the fallen.
Planning tip: Being a solemn occasion, this day is best spent reflecting on the sacrifices made for the nation’s progress and security.
8. UAE National Day (December 2, 2025)
Significance: National Day commemorates the unification of the seven emirates and the founding of the UAE on December 2, 1971.
2025 date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Celebrations: This holiday features spectacular fireworks, car parades, cultural performances, and buildings illuminated in the national colors of red, green, white, and black.
Planning tip: Major attractions will be crowded, and traffic can be heavy in celebration areas. Consider using public transportation and planning your National Day activities well in advance.
Maximizing Your Public Holidays in 2025
Strategic Leave Planning
For UAE employees looking to maximize their time off, consider these strategic leave planning tips:
- Extended Weekend for National Day: Take Monday, December 1 off to create a 4-day weekend with Commemoration Day (November 30) and National Day (December 2).
- Spring Break with Eid Al-Fitr: The 5-day Eid Al-Fitr break (March 30 – April 3) already spans an entire work week, providing an excellent opportunity for international travel.
- Summer Holiday with Eid Al-Adha and Islamic New Year: With careful planning around Arafat Day (June 5), Eid Al-Adha (June 6-8), and Islamic New Year (June 26), employees can create extended breaks with minimal use of annual leave days.
Cultural Sensitivity During Public Holidays
For expatriates and visitors, understanding the cultural significance of these holidays enhances the UAE experience:
- During religious holidays, modest dress is especially appreciated
- Business hours may change across various sectors
- Restaurants may have adjusted timings, particularly during Ramadan
- Public displays of celebration vary by holiday – some are festive while others are more reflective
Planning Your Business Calendar Around UAE Holidays
For HR professionals and business managers, these holidays require advance planning:
- Schedule important deadlines and meetings away from holiday periods
- Consider flexible working arrangements around longer breaks
- Plan for increased customer demand before and after holiday periods
- Develop contingency plans for essential services during public holidays
- Consider cultural sensitivities when scheduling international meetings
Conclusion: Embracing the UAE’s Cultural Rhythm in 2025
The UAE’s public holidays reflect the nation’s unique blend of Islamic heritage, national pride, and forward-thinking vision. By understanding and respecting these significant dates, both citizens and expatriates can fully participate in the cultural rhythm that makes the UAE special.
Whether you’re planning business operations, family celebrations, or simply looking forward to well-deserved breaks, these eight public holidays offer opportunities to experience the best of what the UAE has to offer in 2025.
Note: While these dates are based on official announcements and astronomical calculations, Islamic holiday dates are subject to moon sighting and may vary slightly. Always confirm final holiday dates through official UAE government announcements.
Have you started planning your holidays for 2025? Share your plans in the comments below!