Dubai, UAE – UAE residents can look forward to maximizing their time off in 2025, with 13 official public holidays spread across the year. By strategically combining annual leave with public holidays, many can enjoy extended breaks, turning long weekends into vacations of up to 10 days.
Here’s a breakdown of the key public holidays in 2025 and tips on how to make the most of them:
January: Start the Year with a 5-Day Break
The New Year’s holiday, falling on January 1, offered an opportunity for a five-day weekend. By taking leave on January 2 and 3 (Thursday and Friday), residents combined the holiday with the weekend for a refreshing start to the year.
April: Up to 9 Days for Eid Al Fitr
The Islamic holiday of Eid Al Fitr will offer a four-day break, depending on moon sighting. Ramadan is expected to conclude on Sunday, March 30, with Eid holidays from Monday, March 31, to Wednesday, April 2.
Residents can extend their break by taking leave on Thursday, April 3, and Friday, April 4, enjoying a nine-day holiday, including two weekends.
June: A 10-Day Vacation for Eid Al Adha
The holiest Islamic day, Arafah Day (Friday, June 6), and the subsequent Eid Al Adha holidays (June 7–9) provide a four-day break. Those taking annual leave from June 10–13 can stretch this into a 10-day vacation.
Additionally, Islamic New Year on June 27 falls on a Friday, offering a three-day weekend shortly after.
September: Celebrate the Prophet’s Birthday with a 9-Day Break
The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday on September 5 (Friday) provides a three-day weekend. Residents seeking an extended break can use four days of annual leave to enjoy a nine-day holiday from August 30 to September 7.
December: End the Year with a 9-Day National Day Celebration
UAE National Day, celebrated on December 2 and 3 (Tuesday and Wednesday), can be transformed into a nine-day holiday by taking leave on December 1, 4, and 5. This offers residents a perfect opportunity to close the year on a festive note.
Challenges in Combining Leave
While these extended breaks are enticing, not all residents have the flexibility to merge annual leave with public holidays. W.L., a 43-year-old Pakistani early childhood educator, shared her experience working at a nursery where official holidays were deducted from annual leave if combined. “This policy made it challenging to manage leave efficiently,” she explained.
Key Considerations
The UAE Cabinet reserves the right to adjust public holidays, moving them to the beginning or end of the week for non-Eid holidays. As always, Eid dates depend on moon sightings, making exact dates subject to confirmation closer to the time.
With a bit of planning, 2025 promises ample opportunities for UAE residents to enjoy well-deserved breaks and create lasting memories.
