Public Holidays in Dubai in 2025
Planning your 2025 holidays in Dubai? Knowing the public holidays and potential long weekends is key to making the most out of your time off. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this guide by PRPunjab will help you plan perfectly.
Key Public Holidays in Dubai for 2025
Dubai, like the rest of the UAE, follows a list of officially recognized public holidays. Here’s a quick overview:
| Date | Holiday | Day |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Wednesday |
| March 30 – April 3 | Eid Al Fitr | Sunday – Thursday |
| June 3 | Arafat Day | Wednesday |
| June 4 – June 8 | Eid Al Adha | Thursday – Sunday |
| June 26 | Islamic New Year | Thursday |
| September 5 | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Friday |
| December 2 – 3 | UAE National Day | Tuesday – Wednesday |
Long Weekends to Plan Your Travel
Long weekends are fantastic opportunities to explore, relax, or simply catch up on your hobbies. Here are some long weekends you can look forward to in 2025:
| Date Range | Holiday | Days Off | Planning Tip |
| December 31 – January 4 | New Year + Weekend | 5 days | Start the year with a short vacation. |
| March 29 – April 2 | Eid Al Fitr | 5 days | Ideal for a spring getaway. |
| June 5 – June 8 | Arafat Day + Eid Al Adha | 4 days | Perfect for a midsummer escape. |
| December 1 – December 4 | UAE National Day | 4 days | Great time for a national celebration. |
More about Dubai’s Public Holidays
Here’s a deeper dive into each holiday:
- New Year’s Day (January 1): Kicking off the Gregorian calendar year, this is a global celebration and a perfect time for social gatherings and fireworks in Dubai.
- Eid Al Fitr: Marks the end of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting. Expect vibrant celebrations and extended holidays.
- Arafat Day: This day is significant for Muslims as it marks the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Eid Al Adha: Also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, it commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Families come together, and the celebrations include feasts and giving to the needy.
- Islamic New Year: Marks the beginning of the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar.
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: Also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, this day is observed with religious sermons and family gatherings.
- UAE National Day: Celebrates the union of the seven emirates and is marked by grand festivities, parades, and fireworks.
Optimizing Your 2025 Holidays
To maximize your time off, strategically align your leave days with public holidays. For instance, by taking a few days off around Eid and National Day holidays, you can turn a short break into a longer, more relaxing escape. PRPunjab has you covered with all the tips to make the most of your holidays in Dubai.
FAQ
How many public holidays are there in Dubai in 2025?
Dubai will observe around 12 public holidays in 2025, including New Year’s Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and UAE National Day.
What are the best long weekends for planning travel in Dubai in 2025?
Some of the best long weekends in 2025 include New Year’s, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and the UAE National Day.
Can public holidays in Dubai be moved to create long weekends?
Yes, certain public holidays can be moved by a government decision to align with weekends, potentially creating long weekends for more leisure time.
How can I maximize my holidays in 2025?
Strategically aligning your leave days with public holidays can extend your breaks. For example, take days off around Eid and National Day holidays to enjoy longer vacations.
Conclusion
Dubai, a vibrant city known for its luxury and modernity, celebrates several public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are a mix of national and religious observances, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region. Here are the public holidays in Dubai for 2025:
New Year’s Day
- Date: January 1, 2025
- Details: Celebrated globally, New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the new year. In Dubai, it’s a day of festivities, fireworks, and various events to welcome the new year.
Eid al-Fitr
- Date: March 30 – April 3, 2025
- Details: This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It’s a time for feasting, family gatherings, and giving to charity. The celebrations include special prayers, festive meals, and various cultural events.
Arafat Day
- Date: June 5, 2025
- Details: Arafat Day is observed on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. It’s a day of fasting and prayer for Muslims, commemorating the day when Prophet Muhammad delivered his farewell sermon.
Eid al-Adha
- Date: June 6 – June 8, 2025
- Details: Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha is celebrated to honor the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It involves special prayers, feasting, and the sacrifice of an animal, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and those in need.
Islamic New Year
- Date: June 26, 2025
- Details: This holiday marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year. It’s a time for reflection, prayer, and celebration among the Muslim community.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- Date: September 5, 2025
- Details: Also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, this holiday celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. It’s marked by special prayers, sermons, and various cultural events.
National Day
- Date: December 2 – December 3, 2025
- Details: National Day is a significant holiday in the UAE, celebrating the formation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971. It’s a day of national pride, marked by parades, fireworks, and various patriotic events.