As we bid adieu to one year and get ready to welcome the next one, perhaps the most exciting aspect to look forward to is finding out the list of holidays for the upcoming year. Children giddy up finding the list of holidays when they can take a break from school while adults can meaningfully plan their vacations ahead of time.
Therefore, to help you out with the same, we have compiled a list of the holidays in 2025. Whether you are considering taking a long break, charting up an itinerary, visiting your family and distant relatives, or just merely enjoying some downtime, this list will give you the structure to plan your off days well.
Holiday List of 2025 in UAE
Here is the UAE list of holidays in 2025 that you can look forward to.
| Date | Day | Occasion |
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
| March 31 | Monday | Eid Al Fitr |
| April 1 | Tuesday | Eid Al Fitr |
| April 2 | Wednesday | Eid Al Fitr |
| May 30 | Friday | Arafat Day |
| May 31 | Saturday | Eid Al Adha |
| June 1 | Sunday | Eid Al Adha |
| June 2 | Monday | Eid Al Adha |
| June 27 | Friday | Islamic New Year |
| September 1 | Monday | Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday |
| December 1 | Monday | UAE Commemoration Day |
| December 2 | Tuesday | UAE National Day |
| December 3 | Wednesday | UAE National Day |
Brief Summary of the UAE Holiday List of 2025
Holidays give people the opportunity to take time off and enjoy with their loved ones. From long vacations to short breaks, a well-maintained holiday list helps you make the most of the free days available to you.
The public holidays of the UAE in 2025 are not just about getting a break from work. They are a celebration of the rich culture and history of the nation. Whether it is the pious occasion of Eid or the respectful reflection of Commemoration Day, every single holiday offers something new. Let us take a quick look at the major public UAE holidays of 2025.
New Year’s Day – January 1
Kick-starting the year with the holiday on January 1st is the ideal opportunity to begin a new journey of new resolutions. Spend the New Year’s Day with your friends and family and witness glorious fireworks displays across the magnificent night skyline. You can also head to amusement parks such as the IMG Worlds of Adventure and have a fun gateway. Many shopping malls and entertainment venues also offer huge discounts on New Year’s that you can avail of.
Eid Al Fitr – March 31-April 2
The first major religious public holiday in the UAE in 2025 comes with Eid Al Fitr from March 31st to April 2nd. It denotes the end of the holy month of Ramadan and brings people together with a festive cultural celebration of feasting and giving back to loved ones. You can get involved in charitable activities and express gratitude. This is also the time to engage in exquisite cuisines in some of the best Arabic restaurants. The holiday also marks various family gatherings and cultural shows.
Arafat Day – May 30
The Arafat Day on May 30th is the next holiday to look forward to after Eid Al Fitr. It indicates the second day of the pilgrimage known as Hajj. This holiday takes place roughly two months after Eid Al Fitr and also marks the beginning of a long weekend in 2025 as it falls on a Friday. You may use this opportunity to plan for a long vacation and check out the tourist spots in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, among others.
Eid Al Adha – May 31-June 2
Just after the Arafat Day, comes a long celebration of three consecutive days. The Eid Al Adha falls on May 31st – 2nd June this year, making that week’s Saturday, Sunday, and Monday filled with the remembrance of a pivotal event in history. This festival commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham and marks the culmination of the annual pilgrimage. You can engage in communal prayers and participate in offering food to the less fortunate ones. Many companies in the private sector of the UAE mark this as a paid holiday for employees as well.
Islamic New Year – June 27
The Hijri New Year or the Islamic New Year denotes the start of the new lunar year. This New Year marks the event of the Prophet migrating from Makkah to Madinah. Various religious and cultural events take place during this day across the nation. This is the time to reflect on the past year, fix your mistakes, and make new resolutions. Begin the start of the Islamic New Year by bonding with your loved ones and spending quality time with them.
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday – September 1
Next up is the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed on September 1st. The day is celebrated by offering prayers to the Prophet and organizing family and loved ones gathering. Engaging and sharing stories about the lives and teachings of the Prophet helps in building a sense of camaraderie and community. Various cultural and educational institutions organize programs focused on the lives of the Prophet on this day. Take this time to understand the values of humility, compassion, and kindness.
UAE Commemoration Day – December 1
The penultimate major UAE public holiday of 2025 falls on December 1st when the nation celebrates the UAE Commemoration Day. Dedicated to honor the memories of those who have sacrificed for the betterment and protection of the country, this day is highly revered. Schools and government buildings hold special ceremonies to pay respect to the national heroes. This is an apt time to visit the various memorials to show your gratitude to the heroes who have helped in providing a safe and secure environment for the residents of the country. Marked by patriotism, this day holds a special place in the nation’s history.
UAE National Day – December 2-3
The final public holiday of the year is the UAE National Day, which takes place as a two-part celebration on December 2nd and 3rd. The entire country accentuates itself with beautiful décor and celebrations and parades are held with much glory. The country gets in a festive mood with events being organized on both days. The UAE national flag is hoisted across the streets and on buildings and public landmarks. This is the day to look back on the accomplishments of the country and take joy and pride in it. Ending the year with this major festivity is the perfect encapsulation of the year-round celebrations.
To Conclude
The UAE public and national holidays of 2025 are a perfect mix of cultural, historical, religious, and spiritual occasions that celebrate every important facet of the country. With the holiday list in your hand, you will be able to plan out your vacations better. Book your trips ahead of time and make the most of the time available to you.
