UAE Public Holidays 2025: Long Weekends and Key Celebrations

Explore the updated schedule for UAE public holidays 2025. Plan your vacations and special moments with ease. The Emirate locals are all set to enter 2025 with the new calendar. However, they are also eager to know about the planned public holidays. It brings the opportunity to spend perfect quality time with families and loved ones. Furthermore, the holiday is the time when everyone takes a much-needed break. In fact, they even go on exciting adventures. The New Year is just about to start, so whether you are planning for a lavish staycation or taking advantage of the holiday packages, this public holiday guide for 2025 will help you.

Full list of the UAE Public Holidays for 2025

The Emirates observes the public holidays as per the Islamic calendar (Hijri). Hence, the dates might change a bit as per the moon sighting and visibility. Nevertheless, here is a list of the public holidays that locals will enjoy this upcoming New Year.

1. New Year’s Day

• Date- 1^st January, 2025 (Wednesday)
• Significance- A global-level celebration and the beginning of the Gregorian New Year Party in Dubai.

2. Eid Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

• Tentative dates- March 30-April 1 (Sunday to Tuesday) (3 days).
• Significance- Mark for the end of the Ramadan month (fasting and reflection for Muslims).

3. Arafat Day

• Expected date- June 6, 2025 (on Friday)
• Significance- it is the 2^nd day of Hajj pilgrimage and holds enough spiritual significance for Muslims

4. Eid Al-Adha

• Expected date- 7^th June to 9^th June 2025 (Saturday to Monday)
• Significance- commemorates Prophet Ibrahim and his sacrifice of his son in obedience to God.

5. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

• Expected Date- 28^th June, 2025 (Saturday)
• Significance- beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar

6. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi)

• Expected Date- August 15^th, 2025 (Friday)
• Significance- celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday

7. Commemoration Day

• Date- 30^th November, 2025 (Sunday)
• Significance- Marks the sacrifices and dedication of the martyrs of the UAE

8. UAE National Day

• Date- December 1-December 2, 2025 (Monday to Tuesday)
• Significance- Celebration of the event of unifying seven Emirates of UAE in 1971.

How to plan your 2025 as per these holidays?

What do you prefer to do on holidays- relax or spend quality time with your loved ones, right? No worries, we created a perfect guide on how to make the most of the UAE public holidays.

1. Book a staycation or go for local sightseeing

UAE is filled with amazing attractions, which is a no-brainer fact. Starting from visiting the majestic Burj Khalifa to participating in the intoxicating feels of Abu Dhabi desert safari– endless opportunities are available. Alternatively, the best you can do is use New Year or Commemoration Day to plan visits to offbeat locations like Hatta, beaches in the cities, etc.

2. Plan for short international holidays

How about enjoying long weekends during Eid Al-Fitr or Eid Al-Adha with an international trip to any nearby destination? There are several international holiday packages from Dubai and a few quick getaway destinations include Georgia, Oman, and Maldives. 

3. Focus more on family time

Certain holiday events like the Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha have significant cultural and religious importance. Hence, make sure to spend these occasions with your family, and practice charity, and traditional rituals.

Significance of these holidays

Holidays in the Emirates aren’t just for resting or relaxing. In fact, it also means embracing and inculcating the importance of national identity, religion, and culture within the self.

1. Religious importance

Emirates takes pride for its rich Islamic heritage. Therefore, events like Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, and Arafat Day are celebrated with prayers, community gatherings, and practicing charity.

2. Patriotism

Emirates has come a long way in its journey as a country. Hence, to highlight the significant journey, events like UAE National Day and Commemoration Day are celebrated, which awakens pride and unity among the locals.

Essential tips to increase your holiday time

• Keep an eye on the official announcements- Government confirms the public holidays close to the dates. Therefore, keep an eye on the official announcements to confirm your plans.
• Early booking is always the best idea- People wait for the holidays to plan trips or activities and the flight and hotel tickets sell out fast. Hence, it is best to confirm your bookings as soon as possible.
• Use the travel packages- Always search for holiday packages meant for the UAE locals. Most travel agencies come up with special deals on long weekends (especially on Eid or UAE National Day).
• Utilize the leaves and combine them with holidays- An excellent idea is to combine your annual leaves with public holidays, especially if you want to enjoy extended holidays.

Final Words

The public holidays in the Emirates for the upcoming years feature a perfect combination of culture, religion, and patriotic significance. Hence, if you plan smartly, you will definitely have an amazing year ahead full of holidays for travel, relaxation, or spending time with your loved ones.