UAE residents have an exciting opportunity in 2025 to extend their breaks by carefully planning their leave days around the country’s public holidays. With 10 official days off spread across 7 public holidays, strategic planning can help you stretch your downtime to as much as 45 days.
Let’s break down the 2025 public holiday calendar and explore how you can maximize your time off.
January: Start the Year with a 5-Day Break
The New Year’s holiday on January 1 (Wednesday) provides the first chance to enjoy some downtime. By taking leave on January 2 (Thursday) and January 3 (Friday), you can create a 5-day break, including the weekends of December 28–29 and January 4–5. Start the year recharged and ready for the months ahead!
April: A 9-Day Eid Al Fitr Break
Eid Al Fitr will bring three public holidays, likely falling between March 31 (Monday) and April 2 (Wednesday), depending on the moon sighting. If Ramadan ends on March 30, Eid Al Fitr will likely occur from March 31 (Monday) to April 2 (Wednesday). By taking leave on April 3 (Thursday) and April 4 (Friday), and combining it with the weekends before and after, you can create an extended 9-day vacation from March 29 to April 6. This is your chance to enjoy spring with family or travel.
June: Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha Combine for 10 Days
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha provide four consecutive days of public holidays, from June 6 (Friday) to June 9 (Monday). By adding annual leave from June 10 (Tuesday) to June 13 (Friday), you can create a 10-day break, including the weekends on either side. This is the longest potential holiday stretch of the year.
June: A 3-Day Islamic New Year Weekend
The Islamic New Year, observed on Muharram 1, will likely fall on Friday, June 27. When combined with the regular weekend, this creates a relaxing 3-day break to enjoy a short getaway or some quality time at home.
September: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday - A 9-Day Opportunity
The Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, observed on Rabi Al Awwal 12, is expected to fall on Friday, September 5. With a bit of forward planning, you can combine this with four annual leave days to create a 9-day vacation from August 31 to September 8.
December: End the Year with a National Day Break
The UAE National Day holidays, celebrated on December 2 (Tuesday) and December 3 (Wednesday), offer a perfect opportunity to close the year with a long break. By taking leave on December 1 (Monday), December 4 (Thursday), and December 5 (Friday), you can create a 9-day holiday from November 30 to December 8.
The Math Behind Your 45-Day Break
Here’s how the 10 public holidays in 2025 add up:
- New Year’s Day: 1 day
- Eid Al Fitr: 3 days
- Arafah Day: 1 day
- Eid Al Adha: 1 day
- Islamic New Year: 1 day
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: 1 day
- National Day: 2 days
By using approximately 15–17 annual leave days strategically, you can stretch these holidays into a total of 45 days off throughout the year.
Considerations for Residents
While many residents can take advantage of this approach, not everyone has the flexibility to combine public holidays with annual leave. Some companies may deduct public holidays from leave balances when they’re combined, so it’s essential to confirm your workplace policies. Additionally, non-Eid holidays may be shifted to the beginning or end of the week by a UAE Cabinet decision for consistency, but Islamic holidays like Eid depend on the moon sighting and may shift accordingly.
Plan Smart, Enjoy More
With a bit of planning, you can make 2025 a year filled with extended vacations and memorable experiences. Start mapping your leave now and take full advantage of the UAE’s generous public holiday calendar. It’s time to make every day off count! Don’t forget that while you’re enjoying extended breaks, you can also explore the best properties in the UAE.
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