As the UAE looks forward to the year 2025, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a series of public holidays that promise rest, relaxation, and cultural celebration. The UAE's holiday calendar for 2025 will feature a mix of Islamic, national, and cultural observances. Below are some key holidays to expect:
1. New Year's Day – January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
New Year's Day marks the start of the Gregorian year and is widely celebrated across the UAE. Though not a public holiday, it is recognized with festivities, especially in Dubai, with spectacular fireworks and events.
2. Labour Day – May 1, 2025 (Thursday)
This international observance is dedicated to honoring workers. Although it’s a public holiday in many countries, in the UAE, it is recognized more informally, with some businesses closing.
3. Eid al-Fitr – April 2025 (Date to be confirmed)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The dates vary each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a joyous occasion celebrated with prayers, feasts, and giving to charity. Expect a few days off, as the government declares a public holiday during the Eid period.
4. Arafat Day & Eid al-Adha – July 2025 (Dates to be confirmed)
Eid al-Adha, known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is another important Islamic holiday. The festivities typically begin with Arafat Day, followed by Eid prayers and celebrations. Government offices, banks, and many businesses will close during this period.
5. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) – July 2025 (Date to be confirmed)
This marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The exact date will depend on the moon’s sighting, but it is usually observed with cultural activities and prayers.
6. Commemoration Day – December 1, 2025 (Monday)
This day honors the sacrifices of UAE soldiers and is a solemn occasion observed with ceremonies across the country.
7. UAE National Day – December 2-3, 2025 (Wednesday & Thursday)
The UAE National Day celebrates the founding of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. It’s one of the most widely celebrated holidays, with parades, cultural events, and fireworks, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
8. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday – October 2025 (Date to be confirmed)
This is a religious holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Like other Islamic holidays, it is based on the lunar calendar, and the exact date will be determined by moon sightings.
1. New Year's Day – January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
New Year's Day marks the start of the Gregorian year and is widely celebrated across the UAE. Though not a public holiday, it is recognized with festivities, especially in Dubai, with spectacular fireworks and events.
2. Labour Day – May 1, 2025 (Thursday)
This international observance is dedicated to honoring workers. Although it’s a public holiday in many countries, in the UAE, it is recognized more informally, with some businesses closing.
3. Eid al-Fitr – April 2025 (Date to be confirmed)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The dates vary each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a joyous occasion celebrated with prayers, feasts, and giving to charity. Expect a few days off, as the government declares a public holiday during the Eid period.
4. Arafat Day & Eid al-Adha – July 2025 (Dates to be confirmed)
Eid al-Adha, known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is another important Islamic holiday. The festivities typically begin with Arafat Day, followed by Eid prayers and celebrations. Government offices, banks, and many businesses will close during this period.
5. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) – July 2025 (Date to be confirmed)
This marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The exact date will depend on the moon’s sighting, but it is usually observed with cultural activities and prayers.
6. Commemoration Day – December 1, 2025 (Monday)
This day honors the sacrifices of UAE soldiers and is a solemn occasion observed with ceremonies across the country.
7. UAE National Day – December 2-3, 2025 (Wednesday & Thursday)
The UAE National Day celebrates the founding of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. It’s one of the most widely celebrated holidays, with parades, cultural events, and fireworks, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
8. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday – October 2025 (Date to be confirmed)
This is a religious holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Like other Islamic holidays, it is based on the lunar calendar, and the exact date will be determined by moon sightings.