UAE National 5-day weekend Holidays
Lifestyle
Oct 27, 2025

UAE National Day 2025: 5-Day Weekend Expected for Residents

7 min read

The UAE’s 54th National Day will fall on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with official public holidays on December 2 and 3, as per current reports. Experts predict that Monday, December 1, might also be declared a holiday, creating a four-day weekend from December 1 to 4, though this has not yet been confirmed. The UAE Cabinet retains the authority to shift holidays to create longer breaks, raising hopes for extended UAE National 5-day weekend holidays Dubai residents can enjoy.

The UAE National Day isn’t just another date on the calendar, it’s a proud celebration of unity, heritage, and progress. Every December, the entire nation lights up in red, green, black, and white to honor the founding of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. In 2025, citizens and residents alike can look forward to a particularly exciting celebration, as the UAE National Day holiday 2025 may bring an extended four, or even five-day weekend for both public and private sector employees.

Holiday Details and Expert Predictions

With December 2 (Tuesday) and December 3 (Wednesday) officially recognized as public holidays to commemorate the 54th UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad), speculation is growing that Monday, December 1 and Commemoration Day might also be declared an off day, creating one of the most anticipated UAE national 5-day weekend holidays in recent years.

Official Dates

According to official sources and reports on various news sites inlcluding the Khaleej Times, the UAE National Day 2025 public holidays will be on:

  • Tuesday, December 2, 2025
  • Wednesday, December 3, 2025

national day

These two days mark the 54th UAE National Day, celebrating the founding of the union and honoring the country’s remarkable achievements over five decades of progress.

Potential Long Weekend

Many experts and local news outlets anticipate that Monday, December 1, 2025, which is Commemoration Day, could be officially added as a public holiday. If that happens, UAE residents would enjoy a four-day weekend from Monday, December 1, to Thursday, December 4.

This practice is consistent with past years when holidays were adjusted to create longer breaks, helping residents spend quality time with family and boosting domestic tourism. You can either choose to lay back and relax at home, or pack your bags and explore holiday destinations near Dubai with your loved ones.

Official Confirmation

As of now, official confirmation from the UAE government is pending. Traditionally, the UAE Cabinet announces such updates closer to the date, often a few weeks before December. The final decision will determine whether the break will span three, four, or possibly five days.

Public Holiday Law

According to UAE public holiday legislation, the government has the flexibility to move holidays to the beginning or end of the week to ensure smoother work schedules and allow for extended breaks. This legal provision underpins the expectation of an extended UAE National 5-day weekend holidays Dubai residents are eagerly hoping for.

Commemoration Day Holiday UAE – Is December 1 a Public Holiday?

Commemoration Day, observed annually on December 1, honors Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. While it is an officially recognized observance, its status as a paid public holiday varies depending on the year and Cabinet decisions.

In 2025, if the government confirms December 1 as an official day off, this would effectively extend the UAE National Day holiday for private sector 2025 to four consecutive days. This inclusion would not only honor the day’s solemn meaning but also align with the Cabinet’s tradition of facilitating longer national breaks.

The UAE National Day holiday for private sector 2025 will align with the public sector holidays—December 2 and 3—as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s directives. Private companies typically follow the same national schedule, though internal HR policies can differ on bridging days (like December 1). As a result, private employees are advised to wait for official confirmation before planning vacations or staycations.

Celebrating the UAE’s 54th National Day

This year’s theme—expected to echo “Spirit of the Union”—will spotlight the UAE’s enduring values of unity, resilience, and innovation. Across the seven emirates, residents can expect:

  • Fireworks and air shows in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah
  • Cultural parades and flag-raising ceremonies
  • Traditional performances, family festivals, and drone shows
  • Exclusive retail and hotel promotions for staycations

The extended UAE national 5-day weekend holidays would give both locals and expats the perfect window to explore these festivities or take a quick getaway before year-end. Since December brings along colder temperatures, exploring UAE's mountains would be a fun activity to try during this long break. Think of BBQ's, stunning views, chilly nights, and spotting stars in the sky.

Why Extended Holidays

Extended breaks like the UAE National 5-day weekend holidays in Dubai benefit both citizens and businesses. They promote:

  • Tourism growth through local travel and staycation bookings
  • Family and cultural engagement, strengthening national unity
  • Work-life balance, enhancing employee morale and productivity

The UAE’s flexibility in structuring holidays reflects its progressive governance approach—balancing economic productivity with social well-being.

uae national day

The UAE National Day holiday 2025 is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated events. With official holidays on December 2 and 3, and a strong possibility of December 1 being added, residents may be in for a four-day long weekend or potentially five days, depending on government announcements.

Whether you spend it exploring cultural parades, enjoying family picnics, indulging in Dubai's winter pop-ups, or planning a mini staycation, the 54th UAE National Day will once again unite the nation under one spirit: the Spirit of the Union.

So mark your calendars and stay tuned for the official announcement on what could be the most exciting UAE National 5-day weekend holidays yet! Jot down your plans and prepare beforehand, be it hopping across the most trending restaurants in Dubai, exploring cultural sites, or traveling for a heartfelt reunion with your families.

FAQs

  • How many days off for National Day in UAE?

As of now, the UAE Cabinet has confirmed two days off—December 2 and 3, 2025. However, if December 1 (Commemoration Day) is added, residents could enjoy a four-day weekend.

  • Is Commemoration Day a public holiday in UAE?

Yes, Commemoration Day is an officially recognized occasion observed on December 1.

  • UAE National Day 2025 – How many days holiday?

The confirmed number is two days (Dec 2–3). Depending on future announcements, the total could expand to three or four days.