9 UAE Public Holidays 2025: إجازة عامة Days and Date – ZingHR

Public holidays in UAE (United Arab Emirates) have a great cultural, religious, and national identity. These holidays provide residents and visitors a chance to celebrate, reflect and spend time with family and friends. From Islamic occasions like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha to national events like UAE National Day, each holiday is a reflection of the country’s heritage, traditions and values.

The UAE government announces public holidays through the UAE Cabinet and Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR). Islamic holidays are based on moon sightings and may change slightly so it’s important to stay updated with official announcements.

For businesses, employees and travellers, knowing the UAE public holiday dates in advance is key to planning. Companies can manage work schedules and leave policies, while individuals can plan vacations, family get-togethers or personal commitments.

So we have created for you this list contains all UAE Public Holidays 2025, their meaning and how they affect daily life, business and travel plans.

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025

1. New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025: Wednesday)

New Year’s Day in the UAE marks the beginning of the calendar year and is celebrated with events and get-togethers. While it’s celebrated globally, in the UAE it’s a time for renewal and hope. Many businesses are closed for the day and families get together for meals and celebrations. Not a religious holiday but New Year’s Day sets the tone for the year and is often a time for personal resolutions, reflection and setting new goals.

2. Ramadan 2025 (Expected March 1 to 31, 2025: Saturday to Sunday)

Ramadan is the holy month in Islam where Muslims fast, pray and reflect. It’s a time of self-control, charity and strengthening of iman. Ramadan expected to begin on the evening of March 1 to March 30, 2025 UAE, Muslims will fast from food, drink and physical needs from dawn to sunset. The month ends with Eid Al Fitr, a happy occasion to celebrate the end of fasting. During Ramadan, businesses in UAE may change their working hours and the atmosphere is filled with community, kindness and ibadah.

3. Eid Al Fitr (March 31 to April 2 2025: Monday to Wednesday)

Eid-al-Fitr means ‘festival of the breaking of the fast, it is one of the biggest Islamic holidays, celebrated at the end of Ramadan the month of fasting. It’s a time of joy, gratitude and charity as Muslims celebrate the end of fasting with family and friends. The holiday is also a time for giving Zakat al-Fitr (a charitable donation).

Traditional celebrations include festive meals, gift-giving, wearing new clothes and visiting relatives home. Eid Al Fitr is a time of spiritual cleansing and unity in the community, a break from the disciplined fasting period.

4. Arafat Day (June 5, 2025: Thursday)

Arafat Day is on the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 2nd day of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. This day is very important to Muslims as it’s the final stage of Hajj, a time for repentance and prayers. In the UAE, Muslims spend the day in prayers, reflecting on personal and spiritual growth. Arafat Day is a solemn day as it reminds believers of the importance of humility and devotion to God.

5. Eid Al Adha (June 6-7-8 2025: Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

Eid Al Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, follows Arafat Day and is in honour of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

The holiday is marked by prayers, family gatherings and the ritual slaughter of animals, with a portion of the meat distributed to the less fortunate. This is a symbol of charity and compassion. Eid Al Adha also signifies sacrifice and is a time for community bonding, solidarity and generosity.

6. Islamic New Year (June 27, 2025: Friday)

The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the new Islamic lunar calendar year. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, this is not widely celebrated with parties. But It represents a new beginning and resilience as it reminds the Muslim community of Prophet Muhammad’s historical migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina. In the UAE, it’s a quiet day, some people observe it with prayers and contemplation.

7. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (September 5, 2025: Friday)

Mawlid Al-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, is a day to celebrate the life and teachings of the Prophet. Many UAE residents celebrate it in their own way by joining prayers, reciting the Quran, and giving to charity. This is an important day to spread the values of compassion, kindness and justice that Prophet Muhammad preached. It’s a reminder to Muslims to live with faith, humility and integrity.

8. Commemoration Day (November 30, 2025: Sunday)

Commemoration Day observed on 1st December is in honour of the UAE’s fallen soldiers and martyrs who gave up their lives for the country. The day is marked with parades, speeches and moments of silence.

In the UAE, this is a national day of great significance which promotes patriotism and respect for sacrifices made to ensure the country’s future. This was a day of reflection for the nation’s history and the sacrifices made by its citizens.

9. UAE National Day (December 2, 2025: Tuesday, Wednesday)

UAE National Day is the biggest celebration in the country, it’s the day of the union of the 7 Emirates in 1971. It’s a time of great pride and happiness for Emiratis to celebrate their national identity and unity. The National Day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, cultural events and concerts.

Families gather to celebrate the UAE’s achievements and buildings are decorated with flags. This day is a symbol of the country’s strength and progress since its establishment and a reminder of the UAE’s rich heritage and bright future.

FAQs on UAE Public Holidays

1. Are public holidays in the UAE the same for both the public and private sectors?

It is generally applicable to both public and private sector employees in the UAE, but how they are observed can differ. The UAE government announces public holidays annually, and while most holidays apply to all sectors, some additional holidays may be granted to public sector workers.

2. How many holidays in the UAE 2025?

In 2025, the UAE will have 14 public holidays. The exact number of days off may depend on government announcements. In some cases, holidays may span more than one day, especially during Islamic festivals such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.

3. How many days is UAE National Day?

UAE National Day is on December 2nd with an additional holiday on December 3rd making it a 2 day national day. It’s the day of unification of the Emirates in 1971 and is one of the biggest celebrations in the country with nationwide events, cultural activities and official ceremonies.

Wrap up

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