Highlights

• UAE public holidays 2025 allow employees to relax, spend time with family, and enjoy a balanced work-life routine.
• HR teams can plan schedules to ensure smooth workflow and uninterrupted business operations during holidays.
• Major holidays include New Year's Day, Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, and National Day.
• Employees can combine annual leave with public holidays and weekends to extend breaks and recharge effectively.
• Clear communication, fair scheduling, and respecting cultural significance create a positive workplace environment during holidays.

Every organization must plan employee leave and manage time off efficiently. With UAE holidays 2025 approaching, HR teams need reliable systems to track schedules and maintain a smooth workflow. Many companies now use HRMS solutions to organize attendance, leave, and holiday planning effectively. Cloud HRMS tools also allow HR professionals to easily access data anytime and coordinate with teams.

In this guide, we will cover a full list of UAE holidays for 2025 and practical tips for HR and employees on how to plan leave, maintain productivity, and make the most of every public holiday.

What Are the Public Holidays Uae 2025?

Public holidays in the UAE are specific dates when government offices, businesses, and institutions close. These holidays allow families and friends to celebrate and enjoy time together. They also enable people to participate in cultural, religious, or national events. For example, the New Year holiday in UAE 2025 is a special time for gatherings and celebrations. 

In some cases, employees can also request unpaid time off if they wish to extend their holiday. Beyond celebrations, these holidays help maintain work-life balance, promote social harmony, and strengthen a sense of community nationwide.

What Is the History and Background of UAE Public Holidays?

Public holidays in the UAE are important as they reflect the nation’s rich cultural, religious, and historical heritage. These special days allow residents to celebrate traditions, observe religious events, and strengthen their sense of national identity. The UAE observes a mix of Islamic and national holidays, each carrying its own significance.

Below is a detailed overview of the major public holidays in the UAE for 2025:

1. New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)

New Year’s Day marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. Across the UAE, the day is celebrated with public festivities, fireworks, and social gatherings. In 2025, it falls on a Wednesday, providing a refreshing midweek break for residents.

2. Leilat Al-Meiraj (March 12, 2025)

Leilat al-Meiraj holiday in UAE 2025 commemorates the night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to the heavens. In 2025, it falls on Wednesday, March 12, and is observed as a public holiday across the UAE.

3. Eid Al Fitr (March 30 to April 3, 2025)

Eid holidays 2025 UAE celebrate the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. According to the Islamic calendar, the holiday begins on the 1st of Shawwal. In 2025, Eid is expected to start on Sunday, March 30, and continue until Thursday, April 3, giving a five-day holiday period for both the government and private sectors.

4. Arafat Day (June 5, 2025)

Arafat Day occurs on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. On this day, pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat to pray before Eid Al Adha. In 2025, it will be observed on Thursday, June 5.

5. Eid Al Adha (June 6 to June 8, 2025)

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The holiday spans from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah. In 2025, Eid Al Adha is anticipated to begin on Friday, June 6, and continue through Sunday, June 8.

6. Islamic New Year (June 26, 2025)

The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The date varies annually based on lunar observations. In 2025, the Islamic New Year will be observed on Thursday, June 26.

7. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (September 5, 2025)

The birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is celebrated on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar. In 2025, this day falls on a Friday, September 5, and is a public holiday for the government and private sectors.

8. UAE National Day (December 2 to December 3, 2025)

UAE National Day celebrates the unification of the seven emirates in 1971. During this time, the country commemorates this milestone with parades, fireworks, and cultural events. In 2025, the holiday falls on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3. Residents and businesses often rely on a background check of the official holiday schedule to efficiently plan activities and time off.

List the Names of Public Holidays in the UAE 2025

UAE public holidays allow residents to celebrate important cultural, religious, and national events. Therefore, it is helpful for both individuals and organizations to plan. For HR teams using software HR, this ensures smooth scheduling and workflow during holiday periods.

Below is a table summarizing the key public holidays in the UAE for 2025:

Date	Day	Duration	Holiday
January 1	Wednesday	1 day	New Year’s Day
March 12	Wednesday	1 day	Leilat Al-Meiraj
March 30 – April 3	Sunday – Thursday	5 days	Eid Al Fitr
June 5	Thursday	1 day	Arafat Day
June 6 – June 8	Friday – Sunday	3 days	Eid Al Adha
June 26	Thursday	1 day	Islamic New Year
September 5	Friday	1 day	Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
December 2 – 3	Tuesday – Wednesday	2 days	UAE National Day

By following this calendar, residents and companies can manage time off efficiently while respecting all cultural and religious observances.

Top Planning Tips for Employees and HR to Maximize UAE Holidays 2025

UAE public holidays are a great chance for employees to relax, spend time with family, and recharge. At the same time, HR teams can use these breaks to plan better and keep work running smoothly. Proper leave management is key to balancing employee satisfaction and productivity. 

Here are some practical tips to make the most of UAE holidays in 2025:

• Plan Holidays Early: Check the UAE holiday calendar and book leave in advance to avoid conflicts, especially around Eid 2025 and National Day.
• Coordinate Team Schedules: Stagger time off or assign backups to ensure work continues smoothly.
• Use Leave Management Tools: Use HR or leave management software to track leave requests, approvals, and balances.
• Combine Holidays Strategically: Align annual leave with public holidays and weekends to enjoy more extended breaks.
• Communicate Clearly: To prevent confusion, keep everyone informed about approved leave and holiday schedules.
• Consider Busy Periods: Plan workloads before and after holidays to avoid stress and maintain efficiency.
• Respect Cultural Significance: Celebrate holidays with awareness and respect to create a positive workplace culture.
• Encourage Early Task Completion: Employees should finish important tasks before taking leave to avoid last-minute pressure.
• Review Leave Balances Regularly: HR should monitor leave balances so employees can use their holidays without issues.
• Promote Fairness: To keep everyone satisfied, leave approvals are balanced among team members.

Summary

UAE holidays 2025 provide employees time to rest, celebrate, and spend with family, while helping HR plan schedules and maintain smooth workflow. Therefore, planning in advance helps employees maximize their time off and enables companies to ensure continuous operations. With proper scheduling, everyone can enjoy the holidays while keeping business tasks on track.

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