As 2025 comes to a close, UAE residents are gearing up for the country’s final public holiday of the year. The announcement of official dates, combined with recent changes in holiday law, has sparked excitement over the possibility of an extended long weekend, making it the perfect opportunity for leisure, travel, and national celebrations.
🗓️ Official UAE Public Holiday Dates for 2025
The UAE government has officially declared Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and Wednesday, December 3, 2025, as public holidays in observance of the nation’s 54th National Day. Also known as Eid Al Etihad, National Day commemorates the unification of the seven emirates in 1971 and celebrates the country’s remarkable development over the past decades.
New Public Holiday Law and Its Implications
A new law introduced at the start of 2025 has allowed certain Islamic holidays, including the Islamic New Year and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH), to be observed on the Friday closest to each official date, creating a three-day long weekend.
If this law is applied to the UAE National Day, it could have two main effects:
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Shifted Holiday – The National Day holiday may be shifted so that Monday, December 1, is observed instead of Wednesday, December 3. This would create a four-day long weekend.
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Extended Holiday – Alternatively, the holiday could be extended to include Monday, December 1, in addition to the already scheduled December 2 and 3 holidays, resulting in a five-day long weekend.
While the addition of an extra public holiday is unlikely, it is not impossible, as the public holiday law permits local governments to designate additional holidays outside those officially stipulated.
This change emphasizes the UAE’s flexibility in holiday planning and its commitment to enhancing work-life balance and promoting domestic tourism.
Extended Weekend Possibilities
If the National Day holiday is shifted or extended, residents could enjoy an unusually long break, ideal for family gatherings, travel, and leisure activities. Here’s how it could look:
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Four-Day Long Weekend – If the holiday shifts, residents would have time off from Saturday, November 29, to Tuesday, December 2.
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Five-Day Long Weekend – If extended, the holiday period would span Saturday, November 29, to Wednesday, December 3, allowing for ample time to participate in National Day festivities across the country.
These extended breaks are rare and highly anticipated by residents, offering a chance to experience the UAE’s vibrant celebrations, cultural events, and tourism attractions.
🇦🇪 National Day Celebrations Across the Emirates
UAE National Day, also called Eid Al Etihad, is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the seven emirates. The celebrations typically include:
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Grand Parades and Fireworks – Spectacular parades and fireworks display the nation’s history, achievements, and pride.
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Cultural Events – Traditional Emirati music, dance, and art performances showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country.
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Family-Friendly Activities – Public gatherings, themed events, and entertainment activities are organized in major cities, ensuring fun for all ages.
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Illuminated Landmarks – Iconic structures like Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Abu Dhabi Corniche are lit up to mark the occasion.
These festivities not only honor the nation’s past but also inspire national unity and pride among residents.
Commemoration Day: Honoring the Nation’s Heroes
Commemoration Day, observed on Monday, December 1, pays tribute to Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. While this day is not officially a public holiday in 2025, it holds immense national significance. Residents often take time to honor the martyrs through ceremonies and private reflection (timeanddate.com).
If observed alongside National Day, Commemoration Day could contribute to a four- or five-day long weekend, offering a unique opportunity to combine remembrance with celebration.
UAE Public Holiday Law and Flexibility
The UAE’s public holiday laws are designed to be flexible, allowing adjustments to create long weekends and accommodate local government decisions. This approach enhances the work-life balance of residents, encourages domestic tourism, and ensures citizens and residents can participate in national events fully.
Local authorities can also declare additional holidays not explicitly mentioned in the official law, providing the potential for extended breaks or special observances in exceptional circumstances.
Looking Ahead to 2026
For those planning ahead, early predictions for UAE public holidays in 2026 indicate a bumper start to the year. Key highlights include:
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New Year’s Day – Marks the first public holiday of the year.
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Eid Al Adha – Expected to be a six-day holiday, providing an extended period for travel, family gatherings, and cultural activities.
These predictions allow residents and businesses to plan vacations, events, and operations well in advance, ensuring they can make the most of the country’s thoughtfully scheduled holidays.
Conclusion
The final public holiday of 2025 offers UAE residents a chance to celebrate the nation’s achievements, honor its heroes, and enjoy cultural festivities across all emirates. Whether it results in a four-day or five-day long weekend, National Day promises an exciting and meaningful end to the year.
From parades and fireworks to extended family time and leisure activities, this holiday encapsulates the spirit of unity, pride, and celebration that defines the UAE. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, take advantage of potential long weekends, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Emirates.