Upcoming Holidays in UAE: Key Dates and Cultural Insights 2025
From Eid festivities to National Day fireworks, the UAE’s 2025 holiday calendar blends tradition, travel, and public life. This guide helps you plan smarter around shifting dates and cultural moments that define the year.
The UAE marks 12 public holidays in 2025, blending Islamic observances with national celebrations. These upcoming holidays in UAE include fixed dates like National Day and lunar-based occasions like Eid. Each holiday reflects distinct cultural values and traditions. Islamic holidays shift earlier annually due to the lunar calendar. Moon sighting committees announce exact dates just days beforehand. This age-old practice affects millions of residents’ plans.
Both Eids bring three-day breaks while National Day spans two days. The upcoming holidays in UAE create unique rhythms throughout the year. Families reunite, businesses pause, and communities celebrate together. In the following sections, we’ll detail each holiday’s dates and significance. You’ll learn which celebrations are confirmed and which await moon sightings. Let’s explore the complete 2025 holiday calendar.
Comprehensive List of Upcoming Holidays in UAE 2025
The year 2025 brings eight official holidays across the Emirates. Half have already passed, while the remaining UAE holidays still include major celebrations. National holidays stick to fixed dates while Islamic observances follow moon sightings.
Confirmed Public Holiday Dates for 2025
Fixed Date Holidays:
*Final dates confirmed 48 hours before each holiday
With July now underway, only three holidays remain for 2025. The Prophet’s Birthday in September offers the next break. December brings the year’s final celebrations with National Day festivities.
💡 Pro tip: Book December flights now before prices triple during National Day week.
- New Year’s Day: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday) – passed
- Commemoration Day: November 30, 2025 (Monday)
- UAE National Day: December 2, 2025 (Tuesday-Wednesday)
| Holiday | Dates | Duration | Status |
| Eid Al Fitr | March 30 – April 1 | 3 days | Passed |
| Arafat Day | June 5-7* | 1 day | Passed |
| Eid Al Adha | June 6-8* | 3 days | Passed |
| Islamic New Year | June 26* | 1 day | Passed |
| Prophet’s Birthday | September 4* | 1 day | Upcoming |
Explanation of Islamic Calendar and Moon Sighting
Now, here’s something most residents don’t realize about holiday timing. The Hijri calendar runs 354 days, making it 11 days shorter than standard years. This explains why Eid celebrations happen earlier each year.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee typically announces dates first. The UAE committee then confirms whether to follow or declare different dates. This coordination usually happens within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, savvy residents book refundable tickets before official announcements. Hotels and airlines understand the uncertainty and adjust policies accordingly. Most establishments offer free cancellation during moon sighting periods.
Practical advice for planning around lunar holidays:
- Always choose refundable bookings
- Follow @UAEGov on X for instant announcements
- Keep backup dates for important events
Key Differences Between National and Religious Holidays
On one hand, national holidays commemorate specific historical events in UAE history. UAE National Day on December 2nd marks the 1971 unification of seven emirates. These dates remain constant, making annual planning straightforward.
On the other hand, Islamic holidays celebrate religious milestones shared across the Muslim world. They connect the UAE to broader Islamic traditions and communities. The lunar calendar keeps these dates constantly moving.
Additionally, both holiday types guarantee equal benefits for workers. Government employees and private sector workers receive identical holiday allowances. Labor law mandates paid leave for all official holidays.
Quick reference guide:
- National holidays: Fixed dates, easy planning, patriotic themes
- Religious holidays: Moving dates, moon-dependent, spiritual significance
- Both types: Mandatory paid leave, nationwide closures, family gatherings
Remember, the upcoming holidays in UAE affect visa renewals and government services. Plan administrative tasks around these dates to avoid delays.
Major National and Religious Observances
Moving beyond the calendar dates, let’s explore what makes each holiday special. The upcoming holidays in UAE for 2025 include both future dates and recent celebrations worth understanding for next year. These celebrations blend thousand-year-old Islamic traditions with modern Emirati national pride.
UAE National Day: History and Celebrations
Every December 2nd, the Emirates remember their remarkable unification story. UAE National Day commemorates when seven separate sheikhdoms became one nation in 1971. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan led this historic transformation.
Moreover, the celebration extends for two full days through December 3rd. Government offices and private businesses close completely during this period. The Spirit of the Union theme echoes throughout every emirate’s festivities.
Subsequently, cities transform into seas of red, white, black, and green. Residents hang flags from balconies and cars sport patriotic decorations. Traditional kanduras and abayas in flag colors fill the streets.
What to expect during National Day:
- Military parades and air shows in Abu Dhabi
- Firework displays lasting 30 minutes in major cities
- Free concerts featuring local and regional artists
- Traditional dance performances (Al Ayala and Al Harbiya)
- Special deals at hotels and restaurants
💡 Insider tip: Book dinner reservations two weeks early or expect three-hour waits.
Eid Al-Fitr: End of Ramadan
After 30 days of fasting, Eid Al-Fitr brings joyful relief to millions. This celebration marks Ramadan’s end when the new crescent moon appears.
First, Muslims gather for special dawn prayers called Salat al-Eid. These prayers happen in mosques and outdoor prayer grounds across all emirates. Afterward, the feasting and gift-giving begin in earnest.
Meanwhile, children eagerly await their Eidi (gift) from relatives. Adults dress in their finest clothes and visit extended family members. Traditional Emirati households serve harees, luqaimat, and other regional specialties.
Essential Eid Al-Fitr traditions:
- Giving Zakat al-Fitr (charity) before morning prayers
- Wearing new clothes, especially for children
- Preparing feast meals with lamb, chicken machboos, and sweets
- Visiting neighbors and reconciling any disputes
- Decorating homes with lights and crescents
Eid Al-Adha and Arafat Day
In contrast to Eid Al-Fitr’s fasting celebration, Eid Al-Adha honors sacrifice and pilgrimage. This holiday commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It coincides with millions performing Hajj in Mecca.
Additionally, Arafat Day precedes the main celebration by one day. Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat while others fast and pray locally. The upcoming holidays in UAE always respect this sacred timing.
Furthermore, many families arrange for animal sacrifices through certified butchers. They divide the meat into three portions: family, friends, and charity. Local authorities organize distribution centers for those in need.
Planning for Eid Al-Adha:
- Book sacrificial services at least one week ahead
- Expect meat processing to take 2-3 days
- Prepare freezer space for meat storage
- Coordinate with family about meat distribution
- Remember that public celebrations last four full days
Mawlid Al-Nabi: Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
Finally, Mawlid Al-Nabi offers a more contemplative celebration in September. This holiday honors Prophet Muhammad’s birth on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal. Unlike the Eids, it spans just one day.
Nevertheless, mosques organize special programs throughout the week. Scholars deliver lectures about the Prophet’s life and teachings. Families gather for meals but without the grand scale of Eid festivities.
Typical Mawlid activities include:
- Reciting poetry praising the Prophet (nasheed)
- Sharing stories from the Prophet’s life
- Distributing sweets to children at mosques
- Decorating mosques with lights and banners
- Broadcasting special programs on local TV channels
Remember, all these upcoming holidays in UAE follow lunar calculations. Check official announcements before making non-refundable plans.
Understanding Holiday Traditions and Public Practices
Now that we’ve explored individual celebrations, let’s examine their practical impact on daily life. The upcoming holidays in UAE create predictable patterns affecting everything from traffic flows to shopping habits, and understanding these patterns helps residents and visitors navigate holiday periods more smoothly.
Work and School Closures During Holidays
The entire country shifts into holiday mode during major celebrations, with government offices shutting completely and private companies following suit. These upcoming holidays in UAE consistently affect both public and private sector operations, making early planning essential. While essential services maintain skeleton staff, banking becomes particularly challenging as even online services experience delays due to reduced personnel. ATMs remain your only reliable option for cash withdrawals during these periods.
Schools coordinate their calendars around these closures, though international schools sometimes add extra days to align with their home country schedules. This mismatch between work and school holidays often leaves parents scrambling for childcare arrangements, especially when nurseries book up weeks in advance. The knock-on effects ripple through every aspect of daily planning.
Smart planning tips for holiday closures:
- Complete government paperwork at least three days before holidays
- Stock up on cash since banks close entirely
- Submit visa renewals two weeks before major holidays
- Arrange childcare early as nurseries book up fast
- Remember that upcoming holidays in UAE affect even online services
Travel Trends and Tourism Activity
The upcoming holidays in UAE often trigger an extraordinary surge in travel activity across the Emirates, drawing both residents and tourists into a race for hotel rooms and staycation deals. Dubai International Airport processes nearly 300,000 passengers daily during Eid peaks, while hotel rates in popular destinations can triple overnight. The competition for staycation bookings has become so intense that properties like Atlantis release rooms six months ahead for National Day weekend.
This travel frenzy extends beyond accommodation battles to the roads themselves. The Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway transforms into a parking lot during peak holiday travel, with journey times doubling or even tripling. Smart residents have learned to travel before dawn or after midnight, turning what should be a 90-minute drive into a strategic operation.
Where crowds flock during holidays:
- Fujairah: Beach resorts and mountain hikes attract families seeking natural escapes
- Al Ain: Desert camps and hot springs draw adventure seekers
- Sharjah: Museums and heritage sites appeal to culture enthusiasts
- Dubai: Theme parks and malls become entertainment hubs
- Ras Al Khaimah: Jebel Jais activities and ziplines thrill visitors
Proven strategies for holiday travel:
- Book accommodations three months ahead for Eid periods
- Use Careem or Uber instead of rental cars in cities
- Travel on holiday eve mornings when roads are clearest
- Consider less popular emirates for peaceful getaways
- Monitor traffic apps for real-time highway conditions
Cultural Practices and Community Events
The true spirit of holidays emerges in how communities come together across cultural and religious boundaries. The upcoming holidays in UAE foster genuine connections as mosques open their doors to non-Muslims, inviting them to learn about celebrations and share in festive meals. This inclusive approach strengthens the social fabric of the Emirates.
Charitable giving reaches remarkable peaks during these periods, with local organizations reporting 400% increases in donations during Ramadan and Eid. Food banks mobilize special distribution drives while volunteers coordinate efforts to ensure no family goes without during celebrations. Shopping centers contribute by transforming into cultural showcases, with Global Village extending hours and organizing heritage performances that attract thousands.
Community activities worth experiencing:
- Free iftar meals at major mosques during Ramadan
- Traditional dance performances in Heritage Village
- Charity runs organized by Dubai Cares
- Cultural workshops at Sharjah Art Foundation
- National Day parades featuring all seven emirates
Food serves as the universal language bringing diverse communities together during these celebrations. Emirati families prepare enormous quantities of traditional dishes, creating an informal network of sharing that crosses apartment buildings and neighborhoods. The exchange of plates between neighbors, regardless of nationality or religion, embodies the inclusive spirit that defines the upcoming holidays in UAE throughout the year.
Traditional holiday foods to try:
- Harees: Wheat and meat porridge slow-cooked for Eid celebrations
- Luqaimat: Sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds
- Machboos: Fragrant spiced rice with tender lamb or chicken
- Khameer: Traditional bread served warm at breakfast gatherings
- Balaleet: Sweet vermicelli noodles topped with savory eggs
These traditions offer newcomers perfect opportunities to connect with local culture while longtime residents deepen their community bonds. These celebrations continue to evolve while maintaining their essential role in bringing people together.
Making the Most of Upcoming Holidays in UAE
Above all, we hope these insights help you navigate the UAE’s holiday calendar with confidence. From understanding moon sighting traditions to mastering travel strategies, proper planning transforms these celebrations from stressful to memorable. Each holiday brings unique customs and opportunities to experience authentic Emirati culture. The blend of Islamic observances and national commemorations creates a distinctive rhythm that shapes life across all seven emirates.
Remember that timing makes all the difference. Book early, complete government tasks before closures, and prepare for the travel rush. Small preparations prevent major frustrations later. The upcoming holidays in UAE serve as bridges between communities, bringing together people of all backgrounds. Whether you’re planning for Prophet’s Birthday in September or National Day in December, use these occasions to connect with local traditions. Start preparing now and make each celebration count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the confirmed public holidays in the UAE for 2025? What are the confirmed public holidays in the UAE for 2025?
The UAE observes eight public holidays in 2025, including New Year’s Day, Commemoration Day, and National Day on fixed dates. Islamic holidays like both Eids and Prophet’s Birthday follow lunar calculations with dates confirmed near each celebration.
When are the Eid al-Fitr holidays expected for the private sector in UAE during 2025?
Eid al-Fitr 2025 already occurred from March 30 to April 1, lasting three days for both public and private sectors. The exact dates were confirmed after Ramadan moon sighting in late March.
What dates are scheduled for the Eid al-Adha celebration in UAE for 2025?
Eid al-Adha 2025 was celebrated from June 6-8, following Arafat Day on June 5. Understanding these upcoming holidays in UAE helps residents plan for similar dates next year, approximately 11 days earlier.
What day does the Islamic New Year fall on in the UAE for 2025?
Islamic New Year 1447 fell on June 26, 2025, marking the start of Muharram. Next year’s date will shift approximately 11 days earlier due to the lunar calendar system.
Has there been an official announcement for the next year's public holidays in UAE, for 2026?
The UAE government hasn’t announced 2026 holidays yet, typically releasing calendars in the final quarter of the preceding year. Residents tracking upcoming holidays in UAE should expect announcements around October or November 2025.
Are there any long weekends anticipated in the UAE due to public holidays in 2025?
The remaining upcoming holidays in UAE for 2025 include Prophet’s Birthday in September and National Day in December. The government may announce bridge holidays closer to these dates, creating extended weekends for residents.
