UAE residents can look forward to one more public holiday in 2025 as the country prepares to mark Eid Al Etihad, the national celebration also known as UAE National Day.
The holiday is expected on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3, giving residents two days off to commemorate the UAE’s formation in 1971.
While these are the anticipated dates, the Cabinet may still move the official holiday to create a long weekend.
Under UAE law, public holidays can be transferred to the beginning or end of a week when combined with a weekend — meaning there’s a chance of an extended break.
UAE National Day holiday 2025
The countdown to Eid Al Etihad follows UAE Flag Day on Monday, November 3, which kicks off the National Month campaign running until December 2.
The campaign aims to honour the nation’s achievements and unity, inspiring pride in the UAE’s journey and allowing citizens and residents to express loyalty to its leadership.
Unlike Islamic holidays in the UAE, which are determined according to conformation by the moon-sighting committee, the dates are planned in advance and tend to fall on the same dates each year.
UAE Eid Al Etihad 2025
The countdown to Eid Al Etihad comes after the country celebrated flag day on Monday, November 3.
The National Month campaign commemorates national occasions in a way that captures their true significance, while inspiring pride in the nation’s journey and providing an opportunity for the people of the UAE to express loyalty to its leadership.
The UAE celebrates National Day annually on December 2–3 and typically grants a holiday to the public and private sectors.
In 2025, December 2 – 3 falls on a Tuesday and Wednesday. Authorities have announced two days to mark the occasion, but they have not yet confirmed the precise timing of the holiday.
Public holiday legislation in the UAE says the Cabinet can transfer public holidays to the beginning or end of a week to provide an extended holiday, when combined with a weekend.
This means authorities could move the holiday to the start or end of the week.
Public and private sector holiday
UAE National Day marks its formal nationalisation and the start of the federal unification of the emirates in 1971.
“Spirit of the Union” is the official theme of the UAE’s National Day celebrations. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder President of the UAE, inspired it through his vision and leadership.
National Day, last year renamed as Eid Al Etihad, commemorates the founding of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, when the rulers of six emirates agreed to unite and form a single nation.
The emirates on formation were:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
- Fujairah
Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation shortly after, in early 1972.
It is a time of national celebration with many patriotic and cultural events, including flag displays and decorations, parades and processions and cultural events and performances.
UAE National Day 2025 holiday at a glance
- Expected Dates: Tuesday–Wednesday, Dec 2–3
- Occasion: Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)
- Possible Adjustment: May shift to start of the week for long weekend
- Sector Coverage: Public and private
Follow us on
