Public Holidays UAE 2025

UAE Public Holidays 2025 - A Detailed Guide

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  1. List of Public Holidays in UAE - 2025
  2. Background of UAE Public Holidays
  3. FAQ'S About Public Holidays in Dubai

Whether you’re an expat or a resident, the constant urge to check the upcoming holidays in UAE on the calendars and plan a week-long getaway has become a habit. This year, with the arrival of April, UAE is already counting down the days to the first public holiday of the year since Ramadan began on March 31st.

For 2025, the UAE Cabinet announced eight public holidays, including Eid-ul-Fitr, Arafaat Day, Eid-ul-Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)’s Birthday, Commemoration Day, UAE National Day, and New Year’s Eve.

At the time of these holiday observations, many of the private corporations and public sector organizations will remain closed although a few retail shops may operate depending on the times.

uae public holidays

List of Public Holidays in UAE - 2025

Holiday NameDateDay
New Year’s DayJanuary 1Wednesday
Eid Al Fitr30 March - 3 AprilSunday - Thursday
Day of Arafat3 JuneWednesday
Eid Al Adha4 - 8 JuneThursday - Sunday
Islamic New Year26 JuneThursday
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Birthday5 SeptemberFriday
Commemoration Day1 DecemberMonday
UAE National Day2 & 3 DecemberTuesday and Wednesday

Background of UAE Public Holidays

1. Eid-Ul-Fitr

eid ul fitr

Eid ul-Fitr is one of the significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. It comes with the conclusion of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection. Ramadan began in 2025 on 1 March, when Muslims exercised their spiritual discipline by avoiding eating, drinking, and other basics from dawn until dusk.

Eid ul-Fitr, meaning breaking the fast, marks the end of Ramadan. It occurs on the 1st day of Shawwal (Arabic: شَوَّال), the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. This year, according to the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, Eid ul-Fitr in the UAE falls on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

The occasion will be celebrated more significantly as the UAE government has declared a public holiday for all public sector employees for a week, from Sunday, March 30, 2025, to Thursday, April 3, 2025.

This extended holiday also presents residents and citizens with an occasion to celebrate the festive days with family and friends, engage in collective prayers, exchange gifts, and consume traditional dishes. As usual, Islamic tradition means that the exact date of Eid ul-Fitr will vary depending on the moon sighting.

2. Arafat Day

arafat day

Among the public holidays observed in the UAE is Arafat Day. An integral part of the Hajj pilgrimage, is the journey to Mecca, Arafat Day – the day before Eid-ul-Adha and is considered the holiest day in the Islamic calendar. On Arafat Day people spend their time fasting on this day and seek blessings and forgiveness.

The next public holiday declared in the UAE after Ramadan is Arafat Day which will fall on the 3rd of June in the UAE.

3. Eid Al-Adha

eid al adha

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice is the second major celebration for Muslims worldwide. This festival originated based on the event of Prophet Abraham when he was commanded by God to sacrifice one of his sons, Ishmael to testify his complete devotion to God. While performing this act he was guided by Angel Gabriel to sacrifice a ram instead, having fulfilled God’s commands.

Eid-al-Adha is of special importance considering the Day of Sacrifice observes the climax of Hajj or Pilgrimage (the fifth pillar of Islam).

As one of the major public holidays in the UAE Eid-al-Adha will be declared on Sunday, June 16th followed by two holidays observing the occasion: Thursday, 4 June, and Sunday, 8 June.

4. Islamic New Year

islamic new year

In most countries including the UAE, the Islamic New Year or Hijri New Year is considered a public holiday. Unlike the Gregorian New Year which falls in January, the Islamic New Year represents the emergence of the Muslim period on the occasion of the Prophet’s journey from Mecca to Medina known as ‘Hijrah’ on the first of Muharram in 622 CE.

On this day, people devote themselves to special prayers, sermons, and Quranic recitals while others resort to preparing special meals at home and distributing among themselves as per traditional customs.

This year, the UAE will mark 26th June as the Islamic New Year.

5. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Birthday

The Prophet's Birthday, or Mawlid Al-Nabawi, is an essential event in Islam. Sunni Muslims observe it to celebrate the life, teachings , and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

It is a day of spiritual reflection, prayer, and remembrance and mil, and millions of Muslims globally observe it. It allows people and families to participate in worship and charity and to gather to reflect the Prophet’s message of compassion, humility, and unity.

The Prophet’s (PBUH) birthday, also known as Mawlid Un Nabi, is commemorated in the UAE with simplicity and reverence, with many mosques conducting special prayers and sermons highlighting the life and values of the Prophet (PBUH). It is also a moment for communities to unite in reflection on Islamic teachings and goodwill.

Following the upcoming holidays in Dubai, the UAE government has declared 5 September the Prophet’s birthday.

6. Commemoration Day

commemoration day

A day before National Day of the UAE, the Emirati state and people commemorate Martyr’s Day, to honour Emirati martyrs who have laid down their lives for the cause of military and humanitarian services.

As a public holiday, this underscores the due diligence to fostering military and patriotic awareness among youth and the civic public.

Commemoration Day in the UAE falls on the 1st of December, a Monday.

7. UAE National Day

uae national day

UAE National Day is celebrated every year on 2nd December to commemorate the unification of the Seven Emirates in 1971 under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It begins with a unified, sovereign country based on brotherhood, development, and wealth. It is a day filled with pride for the entire nation, a celebration of the incredible achievements of the United Arab Emirates and its rich culture.

National Day is on Tuesday this year, an opportunity for a long weekend holiday. Flag-raising ceremonies, brilliant fireworks, parades, and traditional dances fill the nation with vibrant festivities. Key landmarks appear in the UAE’s national colors, while cultural events around the Emirates demonstrate the nation’s unity and spirit.

For locals and tourists alike, the extra-long holiday is an opportunity to join in the celebrations, visit the country’s sights, or meditate on the UAE’s remarkable metamorphosis from its primitive origins into a world leader of innovation, culture, and development today.

FAQ'S About Public Holidays in Dubai

How many public holidays are there in UAE?

The UAE calendar has included eight public holidays for the year 2025 which feature Eid-ul-Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year (Muharram), Prophet Muhammed’s Birthday, Commemoration Day, and the UAE National Day.

Who is entitled to Dubai public holidays?

All public and private sector individuals including domestic workers, such as full-time nannies, housekeepers, and maids.

Does the UAE observe summer breaks?

Yes, all schools in the UAE will close for summer vacations starting from June 28, 2025, until August 26, 2025, followed by the new academic commencing at the beginning of September.

Is Christmas Day considered a public holiday in UAE?

No, Christmas Day has not been declared as a UAE public holiday. However, many celebrations are held across the UAE on the 25th of December.

Is the Diwali celebration a public holiday in the UAE?

No, it is not. However, due to the large population of Indians and Hindus residing in the UAE, this is a common festival observed annually.

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