Holidays have filled the calendar throughout the United Arab Emirates in 2025 and represent the identity of the nation, its cultural heritage, and the values shared between its people. From New Year's Day to the the celebration of the union of the Emirates, these dates grant both residents and visitors ample opportunities for much-needed pauses, time for reflection, and rejoicing. In this blog we take a look at the UAE national day holidays 2025, explain the meaning behind them, and show how you can enjoy with smart planning, like have a stay-cation, a visit to nearby destinations, or leisure experience.
Knowing dates, understanding their significance, and curating plans can change a mere holiday into a purposeful pause. Note them down, make your plans, because UAE National Day holidays 2025 are not just a break, they are a celebration of the nation’s pride, unity and remarkable journey.
Key Holiday Dates In 2025
According to the official sources and authentic holiday lists, every year the United Arab Emirates government announces several national holidays; most of those usually apply to the public as well as the private sector.
The following are the prominent ones for 2025; some have passed, and a few are upcoming:
- New Year's Day - 1 January (Wednesday)
- Eid al‑Fitr (end of Ramadan) - Sunday 30 March to Tuesday 1April
- Arafat Day - Thursday 5 June
- Eid al‑Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) - Friday 6 June to Sunday 8 June
- Islamic New Year - Friday 27 June
- Mawlid (al‑Nabi’s Birthday) - Friday 5 September
- Commemoration Day - Sunday 30 November
- Eid al Etihad (National Day) - Tuesday 2 December and Wednesday 3 December
These dates represent the national day holidays UAE 2025 of the lunar calendar, and some are also national festivals, thus serving as avenues for unity, culture, rest, and rejuvenation.
Why These Dates Matter?
Public holidays in the UAE are more than just days off for many residents and workers; they represent a connection to national identity, cultural continuity, and social cohesion.
National Day/Eid al Etihad (2–3 December) is a source of national pride. “Eid al Etihad” literally means “Celebration of the Union,” and it also marks the significance of the country’s formation in 1971, when the seven emirates came together.
Commemoration Day is held in honour of all those who sacrificed for the safety and stability of the nation. Religious holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are for endless meals and spending time together with family and friends, enjoying those things that still bring meaning to the Emiratis.
Cultural Etiquette During UAE Holidays
The UAE’s public holidays reflect deep-rooted Islamic and Emirati traditions. During Ramadan and Eid, modest dress and respectful behaviour in public are appreciated. Avoid loud music or eating in public during fasting hours.
On festive days like National Day, join locals in celebrating by attending parades, visiting decorated landmarks, or enjoying family-oriented activities. Embracing local customs and the spirit of togetherness makes each holiday more meaningful, whether you are a resident or a visitor.
It would also be great if you could connect the sentiment of the holiday to unity, celebration, rest, and time with family as many locals do.
The “Flexibility” Rule
In the words of a normal employee, this is a ‘Golden Rule’, Do you know that under the resolution of the UAE Cabinet on public holidays, some holidays, excluding Eids, can be transferred either to the beginning or to the end of the week if these holidays fall near the weekend, thus allowing for longer breaks? So go and grab some of ideas the best National day deals for the upcoming long weekend.
What it means in practice: If a holiday falls in the middle of a week, authorities may move it to create a five-day break, so monitor official announcements even after the calendar is published.
Another tip: since Islamic holidays are based on moon-sightings, the exact date may shift by a day. Thus, while you can go ahead and plan, keep a little buffer.
Make the Most of the Holiday
Here are a few ideas about using your UAE National Day holidays 2025 time wisely:
Bundle your annual leave: ( Don’t tell your boss that we told you this) A holiday plus annual leave days can turn a 2-day official break into a 4-5 day mini-vacation.
Book ahead with Beno - Before every slot gets booked for weekends or holidays, use Beno's premium car rental options to explore around the city in utmost comfort and style.
Tap into themed experiences - For example, National Day is on 2 December and features these big city celebrations and décor.
Watch out for date shifts - A transferred holiday may result in unplanned long weekends, so pay attention to the official announcements and plan accordingly.
The UAE National Day holidays 2025 are more than a getaway; time is consumed in cultural immersion, meaningful unwind, and planning spectacular experiences.
Plan Your Downtime with BENO
Are you looking to make the most out of time off, whether with family, friends, or solo? The holiday calendar gives you special 'anchor' days around which you can build mini-getaways or stay experiences. That is where Beno comes in; selected leisure, hospitality, and mobility services that let you fully use such breaks to the maximum.
Holidays are a very good window for booking unique yacht stays outdoor experiences, or family outings with Beno's expertise, avoiding the last-minute rush and enjoying elevated service. Similarly, the UAE national day holidays 2025 at the beginning of December open an opportunity to have city escapes and luxury stay-cations, tapping into patriotic ambience, decorations, and events across the UAE.
FAQs
- When is the UAE National Day
It’s officially observed on December 2 each year, followed by public festivities across the Emirates.
- How many days is the UAE national holiday?
It typically spans over two days ( 2-3 December) but can last longer if weekends are involved.
- Do public and private sector workers share the same holidays?
Yes. Normally, the Cabinet resolution would cover both the public and private sectors. Private-sector employers should, however, always check for individual employment contracts and their company policy in case of doubt.
- What are the next UAE holidays?
Including New Year’s Day, the next big celebrations are Commemoration Day and the UAE National Day in December. followed by Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in 2026.
- Why is National Day now officially known as Eid al Etihad?
It's a return to the original Arabic title, meaning "Celebration of the Union," putting emphasis on the union of the Emirates rather than just "national day."
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