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The UAE public holidays 2025 are the official days designated by the government for national and religious observances. Whether you are a resident, planning a long weekend, or you are looking to book a staycation, it is important to know about the UAE National holidays. As the year begins, the government announces its calendar of UAE public holidays, offering people an opportunity to connect with their culture and family or friends. Different public holidays are there, such as Eid al-Fitr, New Year’s Day, Islamic New Year, and more. Understanding the UAE national holidays 2025 will help you plan your trip accordingly or indulge in a local celebration. The guide below highlights the UAE public holidays 2025 and everything about the events.
8 Public Holidays in the UAE in 2025
New Year’s Day
Every year begins with New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1 considered to be an official public holiday in the UAE. This day is off for the general population, schools, colleges, and most businesses also remain closed. The New Year’s Day celebration in the UAE is done with grand fireworks, luxurious parties, outstanding clubbing, and air shows as well. You will have an unforgettable experience on this public holiday in the UAE that you will find nowhere else. As the date of New Year’s Day is fixed, it becomes perfect for you to plan a trip to the UAE.
Eid al-Fitr
For the Muslim community, Eid al-Fitr represents the end of Ramadan and is the holy month of fasting and prayer. Depending on the Islamic Calendar, this festival is one of the largest and significant celebrations. If you are looking for when are UAE public holidays are, then the Eid al-Fitr date is the one that depends on the sighting of the moon. In the UAE, the celebration of this festival is done by starting the day with morning prayers at home or at a mosque. Apart from this, families also exchange gifts and make donations to the less fortunate people.
Arafat Day
The Arafat Day 2025 was celebrated on June 5, and it was announced by the UAE’s moon sighting committee. This day gives locals the time to observe the occasion through religious prayer, family gatherings, and reflection. Beyond this, the Arafat day highlights the start of the extended Eid al Adha break for many in the UAE. Among the UAE National Holidays, the Arafat Day is celebrated by all Muslims, and they fast on this public holiday. It is believed that fasting on this special occasion holds efficient rewards and blessings, and allows you to seek forgiveness and enhance your spiritual connection.
Eid al Adha
One of the special public holidays in Dubai and other places in the UAE, Eid al Adha is well-known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”. Celebrating this occasion, you will remember the faith of Prophet Ibrahim. Focusing on the Islamic tradition, it was highlighted that God asked Ibrahim in a dream to sacrifice his son and show trust. In the country, this event always takes place on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah considered the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. As the official public holiday in 2025, Eid al-Adha is expected from June 6 to June 8. Different types of traditional practices and activities are performed at the festival, including special prayers, the sacrifice of animals, family gatherings, entertainment events, and acts of charity.
Islamic New Year
This UAE public holiday 2025 was on June 27 and was declared as an official holiday for both the government and private sector employees. The Islamic New Year represents the beginning of every year based on the Hijri Calendar, and it always falls on the initial day of Muharram. Celebrating this day is combined with big fireworks displays, effective dining deals, and a lot more to discover. Every year, the date of the Islamic New Year changes as it is completely based on the Islamic Calendar. The celebration is done with low-key religious events and involves street processions, partial fasting, storytelling, and other traditional activities.
Prophet’s Birthday
It has been declared by the UAE that there will be a public holiday on September 5 on the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad Birthday . To celebrate this encouraging day, Muslims visit the mosques for special prayers, indulge in charitable acts, and spend time with family by sharing traditional sweets and food. The Prophet Muhammad Birthday is a three-day break and is observed every year on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi al-Awwal.
Commemoration Day
The Commemoration Day is one of the UAE's national holidays, commemorating the sacrifices and dedication of Emirati martyrs who have sacrificed their lives. This day will be celebrated on November 30, 2025, featuring the public ceremonies that are led by ministries and institutions. Silent prayers are performed to remember the nation’s heroes and the immortal sacrifices they made for the nation.
UAE National Day
The UAE National Day is celebrated annually on December 2 and represents the unity of the country. For the National Day, the public holidays are for two days, which are December 2 and December 3. The UAE National Day is celebrated with displays of large fireworks, live cultural performances, Emirati food events, and decorations on the buildings and streets. Not only this, if you are visiting Dubai to celebrate the national day, you must visit the popular landmarks of the city, like the Burj Khalifa, as it shows the national flag colours and cultural performances.
Travel Planning around the UAE Public Holidays in 2025
Planning a trip to the UAE during the public holidays and enjoying all events and festival celebrations, one important thing is that you must apply for an urgent Dubai visa. You can efficiently apply for the visa through the Urgent Emirates Visa website and get your Dubai visa approved on time. If you are travelling during these times, it is crucial to have full knowledge about when public holidays are in the UAE so that you can attend all the events.
Conclusion
Knowing about the UAE public holidays 2025, travellers get a great opportunity to explore the country’s culture and values. Right from the national pride to the spiritual observances, the public holidays represent the UAE's identity. Visiting the country during the time of holidays, whether it’s for New Year’s Day, Eid al-Fitr, or Islamic New Year, you will get amazing opportunities.
FAQs
Q1. How many total public holidays in the UAE in 2025?
Ans. There are a total of 8 public holidays in the UAE in 2025, and all these are the official holidays declared by the government.
Q2. How many days are off for the Eid al-Adha celebration in the UAE?
Ans. There is a four-day off for the Eid al-Adha celebration in the UAE, and the holiday is provided to both government and private employees.
Q3. Is Arafat Day a holiday in the UAE?
Ans. Yes. Arafat Day is an official public holiday in the UAE, and it provides time to observe the festival through special prayer, reflection, and family gatherings.
Q4. How many days is the UAE National Day?
Ans. December 2 to 3 is the UAE National Day, highlighting the country’s future aim, achievements, and culture.
