The United Arab Emirates, a vibrant nation with a rich cultural heritage, observes several public holidays each year. These holidays commemorate significant religious, national, and historical events. For residents and visitors alike, understanding the 2025 public holiday calendar allows for better planning of travel, celebrations, and personal time. This comprehensive guide will delve into each of these important days, providing insights into their significance and potential durations.
Table of Contents
| Date | Day | No. Of Days | Holiday |
| 1 January 30 March | Monday Sunday | 1 4 | New Year’s Day Eid-Al-Fitr |
| 5 June | Thursday | 1 | Arafat Day |
| 6 June | Friday | 3 | Eid-Al-Adha |
| 26 June | Thursday | 1 | Islamic New Year |
| 5 September | Friday | 1 | Prophet’s Birthday |
| 2 December | Tuesday | 2 | UAE National Day |
New Year’s Day: Welcoming 2025
The first day of January marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. In 2025, New Year’s Day falls on a Wednesday, January 1st. This day provides an opportunity for residents and tourists to partake in the numerous celebratory events across the UAE. Expect dazzling fireworks displays, special events at hotels and resorts, and a general atmosphere of festivity as people welcome the new year with hope and excitement. This single-day holiday allows for a mid-week break to recover from New Year’s Eve celebrations and set intentions for the year ahead.
Eid Al Fitr: Marking the End of Ramadan
Eid Al Fitr is a significant religious holiday for Muslims, signifying the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The exact dates of Eid Al Fitr depend on the sighting of the new crescent moon, following the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2025, Eid Al Fitr is expected to commence on Sunday, March 30th, and last until Tuesday, April 1st. This typically translates to a multi-day holiday for both the public and private sectors.
During Eid Al Fitr, Muslims offer special prayers, exchange greetings, and spend time with family and friends. It is a time of joy, forgiveness, and charitable giving. Many people travel or take advantage of the extended break for leisure activities. Shopping malls and entertainment venues often host special promotions and events during this period. The celebratory atmosphere is palpable throughout the Emirates.
Arafat Day: A Significant Day in Islam
Arafat Day is observed on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a crucial day for Muslims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. On this day, pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat for prayer and reflection. For those not performing Hajj, it is a day of fasting and spiritual contemplation. In 2025, Arafat Day is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5th. This day is a public holiday in the UAE, allowing residents to observe its significance. Often, Arafat Day precedes Eid Al Adha, creating a longer weekend.
Eid Al Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is another major Islamic festival. It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This event is marked by the sacrifice of animals and the distribution of meat to the needy. Eid Al Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for three days. In 2025, Eid Al Adha is anticipated to begin on Friday, June 6th, and continue until Sunday, June 8th. Combined with Arafat Day on the preceding Thursday, this creates a significant extended holiday for most people in the UAE. Families gather, offer prayers, and partake in festive meals during this time.
Islamic New Year: The Start of Muharram
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Hijri year and falls on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, the Islamic New Year is a more solemn occasion, observed with religious reflection. In 2025, the Islamic New Year is expected to fall on Thursday, June 26th. This day is a public holiday in the UAE, allowing Muslims to commemorate this important date in their religious calendar. While there are no grand celebrations, it is a time for prayer and remembrance.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid): Honoring the Prophet
Mawlid Al-Nabi, or the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi’ Al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. This day commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims often observe this day by reciting prayers, sharing stories of the Prophet’s life, and engaging in acts of charity. In 2025, the Prophet’s Birthday is expected to fall on Friday, September 5th. This public holiday in the UAE often results in a long weekend, providing an opportunity for relaxation and reflection.
Commemoration Day: Honoring the Nation’s Martyrs
Commemoration Day, formerly known as Martyrs’ Day, is observed annually on November 30th. This day honors the sacrifices made by Emirati martyrs who have given their lives in service of the nation. It is a day of national pride and remembrance. In 2025, Commemoration Day falls on a Sunday, November 30th. This day involves solemn ceremonies and events across the UAE to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. It precedes the National Day celebrations.
UAE National Day: Celebrating Unity
UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2nd each year. It commemorates the unification of the seven emirates in 1971. This is a significant national holiday marked by vibrant celebrations across the country. Expect grand parades, fireworks displays, cultural events, and a strong display of national pride. In 2025, UAE National Day falls on a Tuesday, December 2nd, and the holiday extends to Wednesday, December 3rd. This two-day public holiday often sees residents and citizens participating in various festivities and enjoying the patriotic atmosphere. Many people also take the opportunity to travel or spend quality time with family and friends.
Potential for Extended Weekends and Strategic Planning
Examining the anticipated dates for the UAE public holidays in 2025 reveals several opportunities for extended weekends. When a public holiday falls on a Sunday or Thursday, it can create a three-day weekend. Moreover, strategically taking annual leave in conjunction with these public holidays can result in even longer breaks, ideal for travel or extended relaxation. For instance, combining leave with the Eid Al Adha and National Day holidays could lead to significantly longer periods away from work.
Important Note on Islamic Holidays:
It is crucial to remember that the exact dates of Islamic holidays, such as Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, the Islamic New Year, and the Prophet’s Birthday, are subject to the sighting of the moon. Therefore, the dates provided are based on astronomical predictions and may be subject to change upon official confirmation by the relevant authorities in the UAE. It is always advisable to stay updated with official announcements closer to the dates.
Impact on Residents, Businesses, and Tourists:
Public holidays in the UAE have a significant impact on the daily lives of residents, the operations of businesses, and the experiences of tourists. For residents, these days off provide valuable time for family, leisure, and religious observance. Businesses need to plan for potential closures or adjusted working hours. For the tourism sector, public holidays often lead to increased travel and demand for accommodation and activities. Many establishments prepare special offers and events to cater to the influx of both domestic and international tourists during these periods.
Conclusion: Planning for a Festive 2025 in the UAE
The public holiday calendar for the UAE in 2025 offers numerous occasions for celebration, reflection, and extended breaks. From the joyous festivities of New Year’s Day and National Day to the significant religious observances of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, these holidays underscore the rich cultural and religious tapestry of the Emirates. By understanding these dates and their significance, residents, businesses, and tourists can effectively plan their year and make the most of these important days in the UAE. Remember to stay informed about any official announcements regarding the dates of Islamic holidays as the year progresses.
FAQ:
Q: How many public holidays are expected in the UAE in 2025?
A: There are typically around 12 public holidays in the UAE each year.
Q: When is New Year’s Day in the UAE in 2025?
A: New Year’s Day will be on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025.
Q: When is Eid Al Fitr expected in the UAE in 2025?
A: Eid Al Fitr is expected to start on Sunday, March 30th, 2025, and last for a few days. The exact dates depend on the moon sighting.
Q: When is Eid Al Adha expected in the UAE in 2025?
A: Eid Al Adha is anticipated to begin on Friday, June 6th, 2025, and last for several days, following Arafat Day on Thursday, June 5th. The exact dates are subject to moon sighting.
Q: Is Arafat Day a public holiday in the UAE in 2025?
A: Yes, Arafat Day, expected on Thursday, June 5th, 2025, is a public holiday in the UAE.
Q: When is the Islamic New Year in the UAE in 2025?
A: The Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) is expected to be on Thursday, June 26th, 2025.
Q: When is Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid) in the UAE in 2025?
A: The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is expected to fall on Friday, September 5th, 2025.
Q: When is Commemoration Day in the UAE in 2025?
A: Commemoration Day will be observed on Sunday, November 30th, 2025.
Q: When is UAE National Day celebrated in 2025?
A: UAE National Day is on Tuesday, December 2nd, and Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025.
Q: Are the dates of Islamic holidays fixed?
A: No, the dates of Islamic holidays depend on the sighting of the moon and are subject to change upon official announcement by the UAE authorities.
