Everything you need to know about the UAE public holidays for 2025

It’s another year of long weekends.

We’re already approaching the halfway mark of 2024, and we know you’re itching for that next long weekend or one of the UAE public holidays to plan an epic getaway or relaxing staycation. Now, the UAE has announced its list of public holidays for 2025. With this early notice, you can start planning your holidays well in advance. 

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.

Next up, the UAE will observe Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin around 28 February or 1 March 2025, depending on the sighting of the moon. Eid Al Fitr is celebrated from 1 to 3 Shawwal from the Islamic calendar.  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.

Following Eid Al Fitr is another set of Islamic holidays. 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. 

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 possibly another long weekend next year.

The birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is also observed as a public holiday on 12 Rabi ul Awwal, falling on Monday, 1 September 2025. 

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.

In addition to the Islamic public holidays, the UAE will wrap up the year with national holidays. The UAE Commemoration Day will fall on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, followed by the UAE National Day on Wednesday, 3 December 2025.

GO: Visit www.mohre.gov.ae for more information.