UAE Announces Public Holidays for 2025

Dubai: The UAE Cabinet has issued resolution No. 27 of 2024 concerning public holidays for both the public and private sectors in 2025, according to the official gazette. The resolution regarding the 2025 official holidays 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.

According to Article No.1 of the resolution, the public and private sectors are entitled to a one-day holiday on January 1, 2025, to celebrate the New Year. This provision ensures that employees across all sectors can start the year with a day of rest and celebration. Furthermore, the public and private sectors will enjoy a three-day holiday from Shawwal 1-3, based on moonsighting, to mark Eid Al Fitr. If the holy month of Ramadan completes 30 days, the 30th day of Ramadan shall be an official holiday added to the Eid Al Fitr holidays. The exact dates for these holidays will be confirmed closer to the events based on the moonsighting, which aligns with the Islamic tradition of determining months.

The holiday calendar also includes significant Islamic events. Dhu Al Hijjah 9 is designated for Arafa Day, a key day during the Hajj pilgrimage. Additionally, Dhu Al Hijjah 10 to 12 are marked as holidays to celebrate Eid Al Adha, one of the most important Islamic festivals. Muharram 1 is a holiday to mark the Islamic New Year, providing a day for reflection and celebration of the new Islamic calendar year. Furthermore, Rabi Al Awwal 12 is included in the holiday calendar to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). These holidays are integral to the cultural and religious identity of the UAE, allowing citizens and residents to observe important traditions.

The UAE public holidays calendar also incorporates national celebrations. December 2 and 3, 2025, are set as holidays to mark the 54th UAE National Day, a time of national pride and celebration of the country’s achievements. This two-day holiday allows for widespread participation in various festivities and events that highlight the UAE’s progress and unity.

As per Article No.2 on transferring public holidays, with the exception of Eid holidays, any of the official holidays mentioned in Article No.1 of the Cabinet resolution may be carried over by a Cabinet decision to the beginning or end of the week. This flexibility ensures that employees can maximize their holiday time without disrupting the workweek significantly. Article No. 3 stipulates that a public holiday may not be carried forward if it falls on another public holiday or a weekend, thereby maintaining the intended rest periods without overlap.

Article No. 4 addresses the approval of other public holidays, stating that local governments may approve any other official holidays not mentioned in this resolution for their government departments and institutions on special occasions or for any other reason. This provision allows for regional flexibility and the acknowledgment of local events or significant occasions specific to different emirates within the UAE.

Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2019 is hereby repealed, and any provision that contradicts or conflicts with the provisions of Resolution No. 27 of 2024. This resolution shall be published in the official gazette and will come into effect from January 1, 2025. This repeal and the introduction of the new resolution ensure that the public holiday system is up-to-date and reflective of current legislative and social needs. The official gazette publication ensures transparency and accessibility of information to all citizens and residents, allowing them to plan accordingly for the upcoming year.