The UAE government has officially announced the 2025 holiday schedule for both public and private sector employees. These dates help residents plan vacations, long weekends, and family time.
Below is the confirmed list of public and private holidays in Dubai and the UAE for 2025:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year’s Day |
| 29 Mar | Sat | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
| 30 Mar | Sun | Eid al-Fitr |
| 31 Mar | Mon | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
| 1 Apr | Tue | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
| 5 Jun | Thu | Arafat Day |
| 6 Jun | Fri | Eid al-Adha |
| 7 Jun | Sat | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
| 8 Jun | Sun | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
| 26 Jun | Thu | Islamic New Year |
| 4 Sep | Thu | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday |
| 1 Dec | Mon | Commemoration Day |
| 2 Dec | Tue | National Day |
| 3 Dec | Wed | National Day Holiday |
*Note: Islamic holidays like Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha are based on moon sightings, so the dates may vary slightly depending on official announcements by the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee.
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What Are UAE Public & Private Holidays?
The UAE Cabinet declares these holidays, and they apply across all emirates. Since 2019, the private and public sectors receive equal official holidays, making this list applicable to all workers in Dubai and the UAE.
Ramadan & Islamic Holiday Rules
Because religious holidays are based on the Hijri calendar, their dates vary every year. Final announcements come just before the holiday. Ramadan brings shorter workdays, with employees usually working 2 hours less daily.
Holiday Compensation & Weekend Rules
- If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it may be compensated on a weekday usually in the public sector.
- Private companies may choose to give substitute days off, especially for major holidays like Eid or National Day.
Free Transport & Public Perks
During major public holidays, Dubai often offers:
- Free RTA public parking
- Discounted or free Metro/Bus rides
- Events, fireworks, and mall promotions
Stay tuned to announcements from @rta_dubai and @DXBMediaOffice.
Tips for Planning Leave in UAE
- Combine Eid or National Day holidays with paid leave for long weekends.
- Book flights early around Arafat Day and December holidays.
- Consider staycations in Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Al Ain during busy periods.
Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, this Dubai and UAE 2025 holiday list will help you plan smarter. From Eid to National Day, stay informed, stay organized and enjoy your well-deserved time off.
Frequently Asked Questions
The next public holiday depends on the current date. You can refer to the top section of this guide for the full 2025 holiday calendar. Major upcoming holidays include Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, and UAE National Day.
There are approximately 13 official public holidays in the UAE for 2025, covering religious (like Eid), national (like National Day), and civil occasions (such as New Year’s Day). These apply to both public and private sectors.
Yes. Since a UAE Cabinet decision in 2019, both private and public sector employees receive the same official holidays, ensuring fair leave across all industries.
If a holiday falls on a weekend (Friday or Saturday), the public sector usually gets a substitute day off. For the private sector, it’s optional and depends on the employer’s policy though many do offer compensation or a day in lieu.
No Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha follow the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is lunar. The UAE’s official Moon Sighting Committee typically announces the final dates 1–2 days before the holiday, depending on the moon.
Yes, during major holidays like Eid and National Day, Dubai’s RTA usually announces free parking in paid zones. Always check @rta_dubai or official sources for confirmations before heading out.
Yes, both public and private schools close on official UAE public holidays as directed by the Ministry of Education.
