Key Takeaways
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The UAE Cabinet has approved the official list of public holidays for 2025
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Both public and private sectors will follow the unified holiday schedule
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Long weekends are expected for Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, and National Day
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Popular domestic travel and hospitality demand is set to rise around these dates
2025 Public Holiday Dates Announced
The UAE Cabinet has officially announced the public holidays for 2025, offering residents and businesses clarity for travel, event planning, and operational scheduling. As with previous years, both public and private sector employees will benefit from a unified holiday calendar, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to work-life balance and sectoral equality.
Confirmed Holidays and Expected Breaks
The 2025 public holiday calendar includes major Islamic holidays, national commemorations, and long weekends that are expected to boost tourism and hospitality activity:
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New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1
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Eid Al Fitr – From Monday, March 31 to Thursday, April 3 (likely dates, dependent on moon sighting)
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Arafat Day – Friday, June 6
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Eid Al Adha – Saturday to Monday, June 7–9
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Islamic New Year (Hijri 1447) – Monday, June 30
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Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday – Saturday, September 6
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Commemoration Day – Monday, December 1
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UAE National Day – Tuesday and Wednesday, December 2–3
Several of these holidays are expected to create extended weekends, particularly Eid breaks and National Day. The exact dates of Islamic holidays will be confirmed closer to the time, based on lunar calendar observations.
Impact on Travel, Tourism, and Local Events
The alignment of multiple holidays with weekends is anticipated to significantly boost demand for local tourism, hotel bookings, and family-oriented activities. Coastal destinations such as Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island often see increased visitation during public holidays.
Local malls, parks, theme parks, and cultural venues are expected to prepare for higher footfall. Hospitality operators typically launch seasonal packages to accommodate the demand from residents choosing staycations over travel abroad.
Unified Calendar Supports Business and Work-Life Balance
The UAE’s unified public holiday approach simplifies planning for multinational companies, local SMEs, and government entities. It also supports workforce productivity by ensuring consistency across sectors. Employers and employees alike benefit from advance notice to align vacations, projects, and staffing.
Religious Observances and Community Practices
While the exact dates of Islamic holidays will be confirmed by moon sighting, the anticipated holiday periods allow communities across the UAE to prepare for Eid gatherings, charitable giving, and cultural practices. Mosques and public spaces are expected to host special prayers and family-friendly events during these periods.
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