UAE 2025 Holidays: 10 Exciting Long Weekends and Eid Breaks

Retail1 week ago

The United Arab Emirates UAE has officially released its list of public and national holidays for the year 2025, giving residents and visitors an early look at the long weekends and festive breaks they can look forward to. The announcement has already created excitement among citizens, expatriates, and businesses, as holidays in the UAE are always highly anticipated for travel, family gatherings, and cultural celebrations.

The calendar of holidays not only reflects the country’s rich traditions but also ensures that people can plan their vacations and important events in advance. The mix of Islamic festivals, historic national days, and special observances highlights the UAE’s commitment to honoring its cultural heritage while also giving importance to family time and work-life balance.

Key Highlights of the 2025 UAE Holidays

The holiday schedule for 2025 includes both fixed national days and Islamic holidays, which are based on the lunar calendar and subject to moon sighting. Residents will enjoy multiple breaks spread across the year. Some holidays are expected to create extended weekends, which makes them perfect opportunities for short getaways within the UAE or abroad.

The most notable holidays in 2025 include:

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2025 (Wednesday).
The year kicks off with a midweek holiday, giving people a refreshing start.
Eid Al Fitr – Expected to begin on March 30, 2025 (Sunday), lasting for 3-4 days.
This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and is one of the most celebrated occasions in the UAE. Families gather, gifts are exchanged, and cultural events take place across the country.
Arafat Day – Expected on June 6, 2025 (Friday).
This important day of the Hajj pilgrimage is observed with great spiritual significance.
Eid Al Adha – Likely to start on June 7, 2025 (Saturday), lasting 3 days.
Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, it is one of the most important Islamic holidays, marked with prayers, charity, and family feasts.
Hijri New Year – Expected on June 26, 2025 (Thursday).
This marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar year.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday – Likely on September 5, 2025 (Friday).
A day observed with respect and remembrance.
Commemoration Day – December 1, 2025 (Monday).
This day honors the sacrifices of the UAE’s martyrs.
UAE National Day – December 2-3, 2025 (Tuesday and Wednesday).
The UAE’s biggest national celebration marks the founding of the country in 1971. In 2025, residents will enjoy a two-day holiday, likely creating a long break at the end of the year.

What This Means for Residents and Businesses

The announcement of holidays is always important for planning purposes. Families often schedule weddings, vacations, or overseas travel around these dates. Travel agencies and airlines in the UAE are also preparing for a surge in demand during Eid and National Day holidays, as both domestic and international trips become highly popular.

For businesses, especially in retail and hospitality, holidays bring opportunities. Malls, hotels, and restaurants witness a rise in visitors, while special offers and sales attract both locals and tourists. Events such as firework displays, cultural shows, and traditional performances are also expected to take place, adding to the festive spirit.

Schools and universities also plan their academic calendars around the holiday list, giving students well-timed breaks during the year.

Long Weekends to Look Forward To

Several holidays in 2025 will fall close to weekends, giving residents extended breaks:

Eid Al Fitr could potentially provide a 4-day weekend.
Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha together could create a long weekend in June.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday falling on a Friday means another extended break.
Commemoration Day and National Day together in December may offer up to a 5-day holiday stretch for many workers.

These extended weekends are highly valued in the UAE, as they provide a chance to explore nearby countries, visit family abroad, or enjoy staycations in luxury resorts across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and other emirates.

A Blend of Tradition and Modern Lifestyle

The holiday calendar of 2025 reflects the UAE’s balance between tradition and modernity. While Islamic holidays highlight the country’s deep cultural and spiritual roots, National Day and Commemoration Day symbolize patriotism and unity.

The UAE continues to position itself as a global hub, attracting millions of tourists every year. The holidays play a key role in showcasing Emirati hospitality, traditions, and cultural pride to the world. From large-scale celebrations at iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to small family gatherings in homes, every holiday is marked with warmth and togetherness.

Planning Ahead for 2025

With the dates now announced, residents are already mapping out their vacation plans for 2025. Airlines and hotels are expected to roll out holiday packages soon, especially for popular destinations like Maldives, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and European cities. Travel experts advise booking early to secure the best deals.

Local tourism will also see a boost, with residents preferring desert resorts, beach getaways, or cultural experiences in Sharjah and Fujairah. The UAE’s push for promoting internal tourism ensures that residents have plenty of options without leaving the country.

Final Thoughts

The UAE’s announcement of national holidays for 2025 has brought excitement and clarity for both residents and businesses. With a healthy mix of Islamic and national observances, the year promises several long weekends and festive breaks. More than just days off work, these holidays are moments of unity, reflection, and celebration for people living in one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic nations.

From family gatherings to travel opportunities and cultural festivities, 2025 will offer countless chances to create lasting memories. As the UAE grows stronger as a global hub, its holiday calendar continues to reflect both its proud traditions and its modern outlook.