Understanding UAE public holidays in 2025 is essential for residents, businesses, and travelers. In 2025, the United Arab Emirates is expected to observe approximately 12 federal holidays, spanning both Gregorian-calendar and Islamic-calendar observances. These public holidays provide official days off for public sector and private sector employees, and influence tourism, business operations, and social planning.
In this article, you’ll find the full list of holiday dates, how holidays are determined (especially for Islamic dates hinging on moon sightings), the legal guidelines and rules governing holiday pay, plus helpful planning advice. The content is up-to-date, with references to Emirati labor law and recent government resolutions.
Full List Of Dates
Here is the complete list of expected UAE public holidays in 2025, combining Gregorian and Islamic dates:
| Holiday | Date(s) 2025 |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 (Wednesday) |
| Eid Al Fitr | March 30 – April 2 (Sunday to Wednesday) * |
| Arafat Day | June 5 (Thursday) * |
| Eid Al Adha | June 6 – June 8 (Friday to Sunday) * |
| Islamic New Year | June 27 (Friday) * |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | September 5 (Friday) * |
| UAE National Day | December 2 – December 3 (Tuesday–Wednesday) |
* Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting and may shift by ±1 day.
These are the publicly announced and anticipated dates. In practice, the Holiday Announcement Gazette issued by the UAE government will confirm final dates closer to the events.
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day kicks off the calendar year in the UAE. In 2025, January 1 falls on a Wednesday, making it a midweek holiday. This holiday is a fixed Gregorian date, so there’s no shifting or uncertainty due to moons.
New Year’s Day is a nationwide public holiday applicable to both public and private sector employees. Many businesses, banks, and government offices close for the day. For planning, it’s a chance to take a long-weekend break by combining the days adjoining it.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most significant religious holidays in the Islamic world. In 2025, the predicted dates are March 30 to April 2 (Sunday to Wednesday), though final dates depend upon moon sighting variations.
In the UAE, Eid Al Fitr typically affords 3–4 days off, combining public and private sector holidays. Because Eid is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri), the start date can fluctuate by one day. The government usually confirms the official dates shortly before Ramadan ends.
Workplaces often close during this period, and many residents plan travel or family visits. Given this, long weekend planning becomes critical: for example, if Eid starts on Sunday, you might connect adjacent weekends.
Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is another major Islamic festival, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice. In 2025, the expected dates are June 6 to June 8 (Friday to Sunday), with Arafat Day observed on June 5 (Thursday) as the day before Eid. All these dates are subject to moon sighting variations.
Eid Al Adha is often combined with Arafat Day to generate a long weekend. Because these are religious holidays, governmental flexibility sometimes allows for shifting if dates fall on weekends.
This holiday uniformly applies to public and private sector employees. Muslims worldwide undertake rituals such as Hajj, animal sacrifice, and community gatherings during this festival. In the UAE, travel disruptions and logistics are common, so early holiday planning is wise.
Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year (also called Hijri New Year) marks the start of the new month Muharram in the Hijri calendar. In 2025, the projected date is June 27 (Friday), though again subject to moon sighting confirmation.
This holiday is less decorated compared to Eid but is still a recognized public holiday in the UAE. Many employees receive a day off, yielding a long weekend when paired with the regular Friday–Saturday weekend.
Because of its basis in the Islamic Hijri calendar, the date shifts roughly 11 days earlier each Gregorian year. Thus, long-range planning must accommodate this drift and keep track of annual predictions.
Prophet Muhammad’s SAW Birthday
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar. In 2025, the expected Gregorian equivalent is September 5 (Friday). This again depends on moon sighting variations for confirmation.
In the UAE, this day is an official public holiday, and many residents combine it with the weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) to form a three-day weekend. Religious gatherings, lectures, and cultural events are often held, particularly in mosques and community centers.
UAE National Day
UAE National Day is a cornerstone holiday, celebrating the unification of the emirates. In 2025, it falls on December 2 and December 3 (Tuesday–Wednesday).
These dates are fixed Gregorian holidays, making them predictable well in advance. The Holiday Announcement Gazette will confirm them officially. On National Day, public and private sectors alike generally observe the holiday. Celebrations include flag-raising ceremonies, parades, fireworks, and national events.
Because December 2 sometimes falls midweek, many residents seek to extend the break by combining adjacent weekends for a long weekend effect.
Long Weekend Planning
Strategic long weekend planning around UAE public holidays can maximize downtime and travel opportunities. Here are tips:
- Bridge days: If a holiday falls on Thursday or Tuesday, taking one day off can yield a 4- or 5-day break.
- Holiday stacking: Combine holidays with weekend days or adjacent off-days.
- Advance booking: Book flights or staycations well in advance, especially during Eid or National Day.
- Check calendar download tools: Use your Holiday Calendar 2025 tools or integrated calendars to set reminders.
- Be aware of shifting rules: Because public holiday rules sometimes allow shifting when a holiday falls on a weekend, plans may require flexibility.
By mapping each holiday against the weekly calendar, you can optimize leave and maximize rest.
Public Sector Employees
Public sector employees in the UAE refer to government employees, civil servants, and those working for federal or emirate-level authorities. Their holiday entitlements are typically guaranteed by federal labor and public holiday schedules, and they often benefit from precisely declared holiday dates well in advance.
Public sector holiday rules are usually more rigid: they follow the Holiday Announcement Gazette, Cabinet Resolutions, and Public Holiday Law Guidelines. Also, public sector staff may receive extra closures or allowances when holidays fall on weekends (with carry-over rules applying).
Private Sector Employees
Private sector employees (in companies, retail, hospitality, etc.) also benefit from UAE public holidays, but with more nuance. While the federal holiday schedule applies, private employers may implement Holiday Pay Rules, shift schedules, or require operational continuity depending on business needs.
Some considerations for private employees:
- Check your employment contract for holiday and overtime pay provisions.
- Confirm whether holidays falling on weekends will be carried forward (some businesses follow Cabinet Resolution 27 2024).
- Be alert: private employers might require partial staffing during holidays in essential sectors.
- Private sector holiday schedules should align with but may not be identical to public sector ones.
Moon Sighting Variations
Many UAE public holidays tied to the Islamic Hijri calendar rely upon moon sighting variations. This means the actual date may shift by a day or two around the projected dates. Key points:
- Authorities base predictions on lunar astronomy and local moon sighting reports.
- Government may confirm dates shortly before the holiday period.
- Some holidays (Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha) resist carry-over shifting if they overlap weekends.
- To stay updated, monitor announcements via the Holiday Announcement Gazette or federal channels.
Because of these variations, calendars and planners should remain flexible, and announcements close to the holiday are considered definitive.
Holiday Calendar 2025
Your Holiday Calendar 2025 is an essential tool for organizing your year. Features to include:
- Printable calendar featuring all public holidays with confirmed and projected dates.
- Digital integration with Google Calendar, Outlook, or mobile apps.
- Alerts and notifications reminding you days before a holiday.
- Alternate date displays (Gregorian + Hijri).
- Notes on moon sighting or expected shifts.
By embedding your holiday calendar into your daily workflow, you’ll never miss official closures or opportunities for extended rest.
Countdown To Upcoming Holiday
An automated “countdown to upcoming holiday” widget or module enhances user engagement and also helps with AEO optimization. Features could include:
- Days, hours, and minutes until the next official holiday (e.g. UAE National Day).
- A mini-preview of next holiday’s name and dates.
- Option to add it to your personal calendar or share with others.
This kind of live countdown often appears in People Also Ask snippets or Google’s SERP features because it provides direct factual information.
Holiday Law Guidelines
The UAE’s public holiday law guidelines dictate how holidays are declared, handled when they fall on weekends, and applied to private vs public sectors. Key legal frameworks include:
- Cabinet Resolution 27 2024, which allows carry-over of holidays falling on weekends (except Eid).
- Federal labor law sections that ensure fair pay for working on holidays.
- Rules that forbid carrying over holidays that overlap with other holidays or weekends.
- Provisions allowing local government to approve additional holidays beyond national ones.
These guidelines ensure consistency, fairness, and legal compliance across all sectors.
Cabinet Resolution 27 2024
Cabinet Resolution 27 of 2024 is a pivotal regulation in UAE holiday administration. Under this resolution:
- Public holidays that fall on Friday or Saturday (the weekend) may be carried over to the start or end of the workweek.
- Exceptions: It does not apply to Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha holidays.
- This resolution clarifies prior ambiguity, giving workers assurance on when compensatory days off might occur.
- Employers are legally allowed to shift holidays in accordance with the resolution, but must officially publish change through the Holiday Announcement Gazette.
Understanding this resolution is key for accurate planning, particularly if a holiday lands on a weekend.
Islamic Hijri Calendar
The Islamic Hijri calendar is lunar-based, with 12 months of 29 or 30 days each. Because it is roughly 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Islamic holidays move backward each Gregorian year.
Important aspects:
- Holidays like Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday are tied to Hijri dates.
- The month names include Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Shawwal, etc.
- To align Gregorian predictions with Hijri, astronomers and scholars project possible dates and then confirm with moon sighting.
- This calendar drift means each year’s public holidays shift earlier by ~10–12 days in Gregorian terms.
Because of this dynamic, catalogs and schedules must remain adaptable, not rigid.
Public Holiday Rules
Public holiday rules in the UAE set how holidays are observed, rescheduled, and applied across sectors. Key rules include:
- Holidays that fall on a weekend may be carried over (per Cabinet Resolution 27 2024).
- No carry-over if the holiday coincides with another holiday or weekend.
- All sectors must follow the final dates announced in the Holiday Announcement Gazette.
- The private sector must adhere unless contractual clauses differ, but cannot legally undercut statutory obligations.
- Some national holidays are immutable (e.g. National Day), and their shifts are unlikely.
These rules promote equity and provide legal recourse if employers do not honor expected public holidays.
Holiday Pay Rules
Holiday pay rules determine compensation for employees who work during a public holiday. In the UAE:
- Employees working on a public holiday are typically entitled to overtime pay (often 150%–200% of their base wage) or compensatory time off.
- The federal labor law provides that holidays are paid to employees even if they did not work.
- Employers cannot reduce entitlements because of holiday shifts or carry-overs.
- Contracts must clearly state the policy for holiday work; if silence prevails, statutory norms apply.
- Public sector employees often have clearer, more enforceable protections than private sector ones.
Adhering to these rules ensures companies remain compliant and employees feel respected.
Local Government Approvals
Beyond national holidays, local government approvals allow emirates, municipalities, or local authorities to authorize additional holidays specific to their region. Key notes:
- Emirate-level events (e.g., regional festivals) may be granted as official holidays locally.
- Local government decisions must align with, not conflict with, federal guidelines.
- These extra holidays are typically published in the Holiday Announcement Gazette or local bulletins.
- Businesses within the area must follow local proclamations when operating locally.
These approvals ensure cultural or regional observances can be recognized without altering the national schedule.
Holiday Announcement Gazette
The Holiday Announcement Gazette is the official government publication in which final holiday dates (and any adjustments) are documented. Its roles include:
- Publishing confirmed public holiday dates after accounting for moon sightings.
- Announcing carry-over days if holidays fall on weekends per Cabinet Resolution 27 2024.
- Making formal any local government additional holidays.
- Serving as the authoritative reference for public and private sector employers.
Planners, HR departments, and media rely on the Gazette as the definitive source — until it’s issued, all holiday dates remain provisional.
Conclusion
Navigating UAE public holidays in 2025 involves balancing fixed Gregorian holidays with variable Islamic dates. This article covered the full list of dates, each holiday in detail, and key legal frameworks like Cabinet Resolution 27 2024 and general holiday law guidelines. We explored planning tactics for long weekends, distinctions between public vs private sector employees, and the role of moon sighting in date determination.
Implementing a robust Holiday Calendar 2025, staying alert to the Holiday Announcement Gazette, and understanding holiday pay rules will empower you to plan effectively — whether for business continuity, personal travel, or staff management.
