UAE announces 2025 public holidays

The resolution was issued after reviewing the Constitution; Federal Law No. 11 of 2017 on granting the Cabinet certain competencies; Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations and its amendments; Federal Law No. 49 of 2022 on Human Resources in the Federal Government; and Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2019 concerning Public Holidays in the state and its amendments.

UAE public holidays calendar

The resolution grants a one-day public holiday on January 1, 2025, for both the public and private sectors to observe the New Year, as per Article No.1 of the resolution.

The public and private sectors will also enjoy a three-day holiday from Shawwal 1 to 3, based on the sighting of the new moon.

If the Holy month of Ramadan lasts for 30 days, the 30^th day of Ramadan shall be an official holiday added to the Eid Al-Fitr holidays.

The calendar includes Dhu Al Hijjah 9 for Arafat Day, and Dhu Al Hijjah 10 to 12 to mark Eid Al-Adha, while Muharram 1 is a holiday to mark the Islamic New Year.

The UAE public holidays calendar also includes Rabi Al Awwal 12, which marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and of December 2 and 3, 2025 as the 54^th UAE National Day holiday.

As per Article 2, with the exception of Eid holidays, any of the official holidays listed in Article 1 may be moved to the beginning or end of the week by a Cabinet decision.

However, as per Article 3, a public holiday cannot be transferred if it falls on another public holiday or a weekend.

Article 4 states that local governments may approve additional official holidays for their own departments and institutions, beyond those mentioned in the resolution, on special occasions or for other reasons.

The new resolution also revokes the previous Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2019, and any provisions that conflict with Resolution No. 27 of 2024.

This new resolution will come into force from January 1, 2025.