Public Holidays in UAE 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a dynamic, culturally rich nation with a workforce that is varied. 

The UAE’s public holidays are widely observed and contribute significantly to the social, religious, and cultural fabric of the nation. 

People can take part in celebrations, think back on significant occasions, and spend time with their loved ones during these holidays.

Several public holidays will be observed in the United Arab Emirates in 2025; some will honour national accomplishments, while many will be based on Islamic customs. 

To make the most of these unique occasions, locals and visitors alike must be aware of these dates and the meaning behind each holiday.

UAE’s Major Public Holidays in 2025

1. First day of the year: January 1, 2025:

The world celebrates the New Year on January 1st, the first day of the year.

It is a public holiday in the United Arab Emirates, and the country celebrates the start of the year with activities, get-togethers, and festivities. 

Despite having no cultural roots in Islam, the New Year is enthusiastically celebrated with fireworks, parties, and other joyous events.

2. May 1, 2025 is Labour Day:

The purpose of May 1st, which is observed globally, is to honour the contributions and diligence of workers and labourers. 

Although there aren’t many large-scale celebrations in the United Arab Emirates, it is a recognised official holiday. 

Throughout the year, employees from a variety of industries receive recognition for their commitment and hard work.

3. April 22, 2025 (Tentative) is Eid Al Fitr:

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting celebrated by Muslims worldwide, comes to a close on Eid Al Fitr. 

The Islamic lunar calendar and the sighting of the moon determine the precise date of Eid.

Eid Al Fitr is anticipated to occur on or around April 22nd, 2025. 

One of the most significant religious festivals in the United Arab Emirates, celebrations usually involve communal prayers, feasts, and family get-togethers. 

Eid Al Fitr is a much-anticipated occasion since it is a period of happiness and reflection.

4. July 28, 2025 is Arafat Day (tentative):

For Muslims, the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is Arafat Day, a momentous holy occasion.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his final speech on this day, which is the day before Eid Al Adha. 

Arafat Day, a public holiday, is a time for religious devotion, introspection, and prayer.

It is commemorated in the United Arab Emirates with public prayers and charity deeds.

5. July 29, 2025 (Tentative) is Eid Al Adha:

Celebrated by Muslims around the world, Eid Al Adha is known as the “Festival of Sacrifice” and honours Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) readiness to offer his son as a sacrifice in obedience to God. 

Eid Al Adha is celebrated in the United Arab Emirates with prayers, almsgiving, and animal sacrifice.

Family get-togethers, feasts, and giving meat to the less fortunate are the hallmarks of the festival. People celebrate the public holiday with tremendous Passion.

6. Observing Hijri New Year on July 19, 2025 (Provisional):

Another significant national holiday in the United Arab Emirates is the Islamic New Year, often known as the Hijri New Year. 

According to the Islamic calendar, it is the start of the new lunar year. 

Compared to other Islamic holidays, celebrations are typically more muted even though it is a public holiday.

People might go to religious services and reflect during the day.

7. November 30, 2025, is Commemoration Day:

Previously known as Martyrs’ Day, Commemoration Day honours the dead soldiers of the United Arab Emirates who gave their lives while serving their nation. 

In honour of those who gave their life to ensure the safety and security of the country, the holiday is celebrated with parades, rituals, and silent moments. 

People use this national holiday as an opportunity to consider the sacrifices and contributions made by their nation.

8. Christmas Day, December 2, 2025:

In the United Arab Emirates, National Day honours the union of the seven emirates that comprise the nation.

One of the most significant occasions in the UAE calendar is the national holiday commemorating the official formation of the country on December 2, 1971. 

Grand parades, fireworks displays, concerts, cultural exhibits, and family get-togethers are all part of the celebration of National Day. 

UAE nationals and residents alike gather to celebrate their common heritage and accomplishments on this day of pride for the country.

9. UAE Public Holidays Observed by Muslims:

The UAE’s public holiday schedule is greatly impacted by the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, even if the Gregorian calendar holidays are honoured. 

Because this lunar calendar is dependent on the moon’s phases, Islamic holidays fall on somewhat different dates every year.

In 2025, the following major Islamic festivals will be observed:

10. The end of Ramadan, or Eid Al Fitr:

As was previously said, one of the most important festivals for Muslims is Eid Al Fitr, which signifies the conclusion of Ramadan. 

Residents of the United Arab Emirates celebrate it by exchanging gifts, having family dinners, and praying in mosques.

11. The Festival of Sacrifice, or Eid Al Adha:

Another significant Islamic holiday is Eid Al Adha, which is observed in the United Arab Emirates with ritual animal sacrifice, family get-togethers, and prayers. 

Muslims often give to the poor by donating the flesh from their sacrificial animals.

The day before Eid Al Adha is known as Arafat Day:

Just prior to Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day is a time for introspection, prayer, and fasting.

While many Muslims congregate in Saudi Arabia’s Arafat Plain to celebrate the Hajj, people in the United Arab Emirates also commemorate the day by praying and making charitable contributions.

Hijri New Year, or Islamic New Year:

For Muslims, the Islamic New Year is a time for introspection and observation.

Limited celebrations are held in the United Arab Emirates on this day, mostly in the form of religious assemblies.

The birth of Prophet Muhammad, Mawlid Al Nabi:

Muslims in the United Arab Emirates commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Mawlid Al Nabi.

People attend religious services and get-togethers to commemorate the life and teachings of the Prophet, even though this holiday is not as frequently observed with lavish celebrations as Eid.

UAE 2025 Public Holiday Observances: Workplace Issues

Public holidays will be respected for both businesses and employees in 2025, just as they have in prior years. 

If they fulfil the requirements specified by UAE Labour Law, employees in the UAE will often be eligible for paid leave on public holidays. 

Employees are typically given extra pay or a substitute day off if they work on a public holiday.

To prevent confusion, employers must notify workers well in advance of impending holidays.

Businesses in the UAE, especially those in the private sector, may close for the day or have shortened hours on public holidays so that staff members can celebrate and spend time with their families.

UAE Pride and National Day

National Day, which commemorates the country’s 1971 establishment, is one of the largest events on the UAE calendar. 

Parades, fireworks, and a sense of patriotism are all part of the day.

UAE flags are frequently flown in the streets of cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, and there is a lively celebration vibe. 

Traditional Emirati entertainment, patriotic speeches, and concerts are also part of National Day.

Conclusion

The UAE’s public holidays offer a special chance to consider the country’s accomplishments, customs, and culture. 

The UAE will celebrate a number of holidays in 2025, including national holidays like National Day and Commemoration Day as well as Islamic religious holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. 

Both locals and tourists should be aware of these dates and their meaning in order to fully enjoy these unique events.

The UAE’s public holidays offer an opportunity to commemorate the nation’s rich religious and historical traditions, whether you’re looking forward to family get-togethers, cultural events, or just taking a vacation from work. 

As usual, it’s crucial to confirm the precise dates of Islamic holidays because they depend on the lunar calendar and can change annually.

Enjoy the UAE’s public holidays in 2025 with your loved ones and embrace the traditions and cultures that make our nation so special.