UAE residents can look forward to enjoying up to 13 days off as public holidays in 2025, according to a resolution issued by the UAE Cabinet. The holiday to mark Islamic festival Eid Al Fitr will be slightly different next year, marking the most notable change in public holidays compared to recent years. The resolution, effective from January 1, 2025, is applicable to employees of both private and public sectors in the UAE, and these holidays are in addition to the 30 annual leaves employees can take in a year. This unique combination of annual leaves and public holidays allows residents to take up to three vacations in a year.
The holiday dates are mainly based on the Islamic Hijri calendar, with corresponding Gregorian calendar dates to be announced closer to the respective occasions. The full list of public holidays according to the resolution includes New Year’s Day, up to four days off for Eid Al Fitr in March-April, Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha with a four-day break in June, Hijri New Year with one day off in June, Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday with one day off in September, and UAE National Day with two days off in December. These holidays allow residents to plan their vacations and celebrations accordingly.
The Eid Al Fitr holiday sees residents getting up to four days off, with the first three days of Shawwal designated as holidays, and an additional day off if Ramadan lasts for 30 days. Arafah Day, the holiest day in Islam, will be a holiday, followed by a three-day break for Eid Al Adha, translating into a four-day break for residents. Residents will also enjoy a day off for the Hijri New Year and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday in June and September respectively. The last public holiday of 2025 is UAE National Day, with residents getting two days off in December to celebrate the occasion.
According to the resolution, except for Eid holidays, all other holidays can be moved to the beginning or end of the week through a UAE Cabinet decision. However, if an official holiday falls on the weekend, it cannot be moved to a weekday. Each Emirate’s local government may also announce additional holidays as deemed necessary. Overall, the public holidays in 2025 provide residents in the UAE with ample opportunities to relax, celebrate, and spend time with their loved ones throughout the year.
