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We may not even be halfway through 2024, but the UAE is already planning ahead.
Authorities have confirmed the dates for public holidays in 2025 for both public and private sectors.
While some dates are official and confirmed, the ones pertaining to religious holidays will await final confirmation from the Emirates Astronomy Society.
From New Year’s Day to Eid to National Day, the UAE cabinet has officially announced the approved holidays in accordance with the Islamic calendar.
Below, GRAZIA brings you a breakdown of what to expect for the public holidays in 2025…
New Year’s day
A time marked glamorously in UAE, January 1, 2025 will fall on a Wednesday and marks the first public holiday of the year. From fireworks to esteemed parties, each emirate will undoubtedly be illuminated to celebrate the new year.
Eid Al Fitr (6 Day Break)
In 2025, Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, will allow for a holiday from Shawwal 1 to 3. In the Georgian calendar, this will fall from approximately Monday, March 31 to Wednesday, April 2, 2025. This could mean a five-day break. And, if Ramadan hits the 30-day mark, the Eid Al Fitr holidays could be extended by one more day, making for a six-day break. However, as always, this is dependent upon the sighting of the moon.
Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha (4 Day Break)
The next public holiday in the UAE marks Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, which are important times in the Islamic faith. The UAE has confirmed in the Hijri calendar, these dates will be from 9 to 12 Dhu al-Hijjah.
In the 2025 Gregorian calendar, this will mean the holiday will mark the start of the summer season. The dates of Eid Al Adha are likely to fall on Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8, 2025, while Arafat Day is likely to fall on June 5, 2025, which could mean up to a four-day break.
Islamic (HIJRI) New Year (3 Day Break)
Another holiday that cannot be confirmed without the sightings of the moon is the Islamic New Year which falls on Muharram 1. Signifying the first day of the Holy calendar, on the Georgian calendar, this date is predicted to be on Friday, June 28, 2025.
Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) Birthday (one-Day break)
A symbol of divine revelation, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was born on the 12th of Rabi’ al-awwal. Awaiting final confirmation closer to the week, celebrations for the scared day is predicted to commence on the September 4, 2025.
UAE National Day & Commemoration Day (Three-Day Break)
Signifying the prominent day our founding father unified the emirates to become the United Arab Emirates, the 2025 UAE holidays include the 54th National Day and Commemoration Day. Held on December 2 every year national day will fall on a Tuesday, with Commemoration Day being marked on November 30, 2025.
Closing out the year with prominence, both holidays are celebrated with an array of festivals, fireworks and joyous occasions.
