UAE residents are set to enjoy up to 13 public holidays in 2025, following a resolution issued by the UAE Cabinet. One of the notable changes in the public holidays for the upcoming year will be the slight variation in the holiday to mark Islamic festival Eid Al Fitr as compared to previous years. The resolution, which Khaleej Times has had access to, will take effect from January 1, 2025. These holidays are applicable to both private and public sector employees in the UAE and are additional to the 30 annual leaves employees can take in a year. Residents will have the opportunity to take up to three vacations in a year due to this unique combination of annual leaves and public holidays.
The majority of the holiday dates align with the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is based on the sighting of the Moon. The corresponding Gregorian calendar dates will be announced closer to the respective occasions. The holidays according to the resolution are as follows:
- Happy New Year: 1 day off
- Eid Al Fitr: Up to 4 days off in March-April
- Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha: 4 days off in June
- Hijri New Year: 1 day off in June
- Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Birthday: 1 day off in September
- UAE National Day: 2 days off in December
The resolution also provides provisions for moving holidays to the beginning or end of the week, except for the Eid holidays, which require a decision by the UAE Cabinet. Additionally, if an official holiday falls on a weekend, it cannot be moved to a weekday. Each Emirate's local government has the authority to announce additional holidays as necessary.
