With several long weekends, 2025 is gearing up to be a fantastic year.
The year 2025 is almost upon us, and while we await the holidays left for this year, the UAE is gearing up for yet another year of festivities. The UAE Cabinet, led by Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has given the nod to the official holidays calendar for 2025. So get ready to mark your calendars and plan your vacations because the year ahead promises not only a generous number of UAE public holidays but also some extended weekends.
1 January 2025: New Year’s Day
The year kicks off with a one-day break on Wednesday, 1 January 2025. This holiday gives everyone the perfect opportunity to ring in the New Year with celebrations and perhaps a bit of recovery from the previous night’s festivities.
31 March to 2 April 2025 (TBC): Eid Al Fitr
The end of Ramadan marks Eid Al Fitr, commencing on the 29th day of Ramadan until the 3rd day of Shawwal. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, Eid Al Fitr will begin on Sunday, 30 March 2025, giving residents four days off, including the weekend. But if Ramadan lasts 30 days, Eid Al Fitr will begin on Monday, 31 March 2025, extending the break to five days. While next year’s Eid Al Fitr holiday is shorter than the extended nine-day break enjoyed in 2024, it still promises a joyful time for all.
30 May to 2 June 2025 (TBC): Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha
Marking the holiest day in Islam, Arafat Day, and the subsequent celebration of Eid Al Adha gives you a four-day weekend. Arafat Day is observed on 9 Dhu Al Hijjah, followed by Eid Al Adha from 10 to 12 Dhu Al Hijjah. Arafat Day is expected to fall on Friday, 30 May 2025, and Eid Al Adha shall then begin on Saturday, 31 May 2025, until Monday, 2 June 2025 — paving the way for another potential four-day long weekend.
27 June 2025: Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year, which begins on 1 Muharram, offers another public holiday. In 2025, this is expected to fall on Friday, 27 June — hinting at the possibility of another long weekend.
1 September 2025: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH)
The birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is also observed as a public holiday on 12 Rabi ul Awwal. Expected to fall on Monday, 1 September 2025, you can anticipate a day off to observe the occasion.
2 to 3 December 2025: Eid Al Etihad
End the year with an extended celebration for Eid Al Etihad. The UAE Commemoration Day will fall on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, followed by Eid Al Etihad on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, meaning two days off mid-week.
While the public holidays in relation to the Islamic calendar have been announced, it’s important to note that these dates are currently tentative. Exact dates will be announced closer to the holidays, based on the moon sighting. Until then, get planning.
GO: Visit www.mohre.gov.ae for more information.
