End-of-Year Break! Your Guide to the UAE’s Remaining Public Holidays in 2025
We’re trundling towards the end of 2025, but don’t worry—we’re not quite done with this year’s public holidays yet!
Whether you’re planning a quick escape, a staycation at one of Abu Dhabi’s stunning resorts, or just a well-earned lie-in, here is the official guide to the UAE’s remaining public holidays before we roll into 2026.
The Last Break of 2025: UAE National Day
| Holiday | Predicted Date(s) | Day(s) of the Week |
| Commemoration Day | Monday, December 1 (Predicted) | Monday |
| UAE National Day | Tuesday, December 2 & Wednesday, December 3 | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| Total Break | Potentially December 1-3 | 3 Days |
National Day celebrations will once again bring the country together in early December. The two-day official break is expected to fall midweek, giving plenty of time for staycations, family gatherings, and fireworks across the capital.
The holiday is also often preceded by Commemoration Day (formerly Martyrs’ Day) on December 1st, which could potentially extend the break to three full days from Monday, December 1, to Wednesday, December 3.
- Look out for the UAE flag on National Day as the nation celebrates its foundation and unity!
2025 Public Holidays So Far (For Reference)
This year has already delivered several generous breaks! Here’s a full breakdown of the public holidays we’ve already enjoyed:
- Eid Al Fitr: Fell from Sunday, March 30 to Tuesday, April 2, giving four full days off.
- Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha: Ran from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, bringing one of the longest breaks of the year.
- Islamic New Year: Landed on Friday, June 27, gifting another three-day weekend.
- The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH): Falling on a Friday, it gave residents across Abu Dhabi and the UAE a three-day long weekend when combined with Saturday and Sunday.
That means National Day is the final confirmed public holiday left before we roll into 2026.
Public Holiday Rules in the UAE
A Cabinet resolution on official holidays ensures that both public and private sector employees get the same number of days off.
- Flexibility: There is flexibility to move certain holidays (other than Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha) to the beginning or end of the week if they fall on a weekend—but in 2025, all of the major holidays have already lined up neatly with weekdays.
- Local Additions: Local governments are also allowed to add additional holidays if approved, but the core national calendar applies to everyone across the country.
