The UAE offers residents and visitors a generous number of public holidays throughout the year, providing ample opportunities for leisure and travel. Here’s a breakdown of the key holidays in 2025 and how to potentially maximize your time off:
1. New Year’s Day (January 1st):
- This fixed holiday provides a starting point for a potential long weekend.
- By taking leave on the preceding Thursday and Friday, residents could enjoy a 5-day break.
2. Eid Al Fitr (Expected: Late March/Early April):
- This Islamic holiday typically lasts for 3 days, marking the end of Ramadan.
- Depending on the length of Ramadan (29 or 30 days), the holiday period may vary slightly.
- By strategically using annual leave around the Eid Al Fitr dates, residents can potentially enjoy up to 9 consecutive days off.
3. Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha (Expected: Early June):
- Arafat Day, a significant day in the Islamic calendar, is followed by three days of Eid Al Adha.
- This cluster of holidays offers another potential for extended leave.
- By strategically utilizing annual leave around these dates, residents could potentially enjoy a 10-day vacation.
4. Islamic New Year (Expected: Late June):
- This holiday typically falls on the first day of Muharram.
- If it falls on a weekday, it can be combined with the weekend to create a 3-day break.
5. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Expected: Early September):
- This holiday provides another opportunity for a 3-day weekend.
- By strategically using annual leave, residents can potentially extend this break to 9 days.
6. UAE National Day (December 2nd & 3rd):
- This significant national holiday offers two consecutive days off.
- By taking leave on the preceding Monday and the following Thursday and Friday, residents can potentially enjoy a 9-day holiday.
Important Considerations:
- Public holidays, except for Eid holidays, may be shifted to the beginning or end of the week by the UAE Cabinet.
- The exact dates of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are determined by moon sightings and may vary slightly.
- Individual companies may have varying policies regarding the use of annual leave in conjunction with public holidays. Some companies may deduct public holidays from the annual leave balance when employees use leave to bridge holiday periods.
By strategically planning their leave, UAE residents can make the most of these public holidays and enjoy extended periods of relaxation, travel, and quality time with family and friends.
