Public Holidays in United Arab Emirates 2025
United Arab Emirates observes a number of public holidays that are a mix of Islamic (Hijri calendar) religious observances and fixed national days. The exact dates of Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting announcements.
Explore more: Public Holidays in Ukraine
Overview of Public Holidays in the UAE
Public holidays in the UAE include both fixed national days like New Year’s Day and National Day, and movable Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, and Prophet’s Birthday. Dates for Islamic observances are confirmed closer to the events based on moon sighting.
List of Public Holidays in the UAE (2025)
| Holiday | Expected Date (2025) | Day | Remarks / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Wednesday | Start of the Gregorian calendar year. |
| Eid al-Fitr | March 30 – April 2 | Sunday – Wednesday | Celebration marking the end of Ramadan; several public holidays. |
| Arafah Day | June 5 | Thursday | Important day of Hajj pilgrimage. |
| Eid al-Adha | June 6 – June 8 | Friday – Sunday | Major Islamic “Feast of Sacrifice”; multi-day holiday. |
| Islamic New Year | June 26 | Thursday | Marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar year. |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid) | September 4 | Thursday | Commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. |
| Commemoration Day | December 1 | Monday | Honors UAE martyrs. |
| UAE National Day | December 2 – 3 | Tuesday – Wednesday | Celebrates the founding of the UAE. |
Religious and Cultural Significance
The UAE’s holidays reflect Islamic beliefs and national pride. Eid holidays highlight worship and celebration, while Commemoration Day and National Day honor unity, sacrifice, and leadership in the UAE’s development. New Year’s Day aligns with global observance.
Public Observances and Closures
Government offices, banks, and many businesses close on public holidays. Some holidays extend across multiple days, especially Eid. As Islamic holiday dates depend on moon sighting, exact dates are approved shortly before observance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does the UAE have?
The UAE typically observes around eight official public holidays each year, though Islamic observance length may vary.
Why do some UAE holidays shift each year?
Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar, which shifts approximately 10–11 days earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar.
Conclusion
Public holidays in the UAE showcase a combination of religious devotion and strong national identity. From Eid festivities to solemn remembrance and patriotic celebration, these holidays unite communities across the Emirates.
