2025 public holidays in UAE: Up to 13 days off for private and public sector employees
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by Balikbayan Store
1 min reading time
Residents of the UAE will have the benefit of up to 13 days off as public holidays in 2025, following a new resolution issued by the UAE Cabinet. Notably, there will be a slight change in the holiday schedule for the Islamic festival Eid Al Fitr next year.
The resolution, which takes effect from January 1, 2025, applies to both private and public sector employees. These public holidays are in addition to the 30 days of annual leave that employees are entitled to each year, allowing residents to enjoy up to three vacations annually.
The dates for most holidays are based on the Islamic Hijri calendar, with the exact Gregorian dates to be announced closer to the events. The full list of public holidays for 2025 includes:
New Year’s Day: Residents will start the year with a holiday on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Eid Al Fitr: Up to four days off in March-April, depending on the length of Ramadan. If Ramadan lasts 30 days, the holiday will be from Ramadan 30 to Shawwal 3. If it lasts 29 days, the holiday will be from Shawwal 1 to 3.
Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha: Four days off in June, including Arafah Day on Dhul Hijjah 9 and Eid Al Adha from Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12.
Hijri New Year: One day off in June for Muharram 1.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: One day off in September on Rabi Al Awwal 12.
UAE National Day: Two days off on December 2 and 3.
According to the resolution, non-Eid holidays can be moved to the beginning or end of the week by a decision of the UAE Cabinet. If a holiday falls on a weekend, it cannot be shifted to a weekday. Local governments in each Emirate may also announce additional holidays as necessary.
