Public and private holidays in Dubai in 2025

Public holidays in Dubai reflect a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, offering a window into the city's cultural richness and vibrant community spirit. Spanning across the year, these holidays are rooted in history, religion, and national pride, providing moments of pause and celebration for residents and visitors alike.

Dubai’s public holidays fall under two categories: fixed dates like New Year’s Day and UAE National Day, which are observed annually, and Islamic holidays determined by the lunar Hijri calendar, such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. The Islamic calendar adds a layer of anticipation, as these dates are confirmed by the sighting of the moon, a tradition deeply intertwined with the region's heritage.

These holidays create a rhythm for community gatherings, citywide festivities, and moments of reflection. Public spaces come alive with events, attractions cater to holidaymakers, and workplaces pause, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the spirit of togetherness.

In this article, we’ll explore the public and private holidays for 2025, share tips to make the most of these breaks, and guide you through planning memorable experiences around Dubai’s festive calendar.

Public Holidays in Dubai 2025

Dubai's 2025 calendar is packed with public holidays, offering residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to relax, celebrate, or explore. These holidays fall into two distinct categories: fixed holidays, such as New Year’s Day and UAE National Day, and Islamic holidays, which are determined by the lunar Hijri calendar.

Here’s a look at the key public holidays in Dubai for 2025:

Fixed Holidays:

New Year’s Day: 1 January 2025

A global celebration to welcome the new year, New Year’s Day in Dubai is marked by spectacular fireworks, concerts, and city-wide festivities. Whether you’re strolling along the Dubai Creek or enjoying views from Burj Khalifa, the city ensures a memorable start to the year.

National Day (Eid Al Etihad): 2-3 December 2025

Celebrating the UAE’s formation in 1971, this two-day event is a patriotic occasion filled with parades, cultural showcases, and fireworks. Union Day is a perfect time to witness the Emirati heritage through traditional dances, live music, and community events.

Islamic Holidays:

Eid Al Fitr: 31 March - 2 April 2025 (subject to moon sighting)

Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is a joyous occasion filled with feasts, family gatherings, and charitable acts. From vibrant souks to lavish dining experiences, Dubai offers numerous ways to celebrate this festival of gratitude.

Arafat Day: 30 May 2025 (subject to moon sighting)

The day preceding Eid Al Adha, Arafat Day is a time of reflection and spiritual connection. While primarily observed through prayers, it’s also a day to prepare for the festivities ahead.

Eid Al Adha: 31 May - 2 June 2025 (subject to moon sighting)

Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid Al Adha is celebrated with community feasts, prayers, and acts of giving. Dubai’s mosques, parks, and public spaces often host gatherings, creating a festive atmosphere.

Hijri New Year: 27 June 2025 (subject to moon sighting)

Also called Islamic New Year, this day marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar. It’s a quieter occasion for introspection and prayer, offering a serene contrast to other celebrations.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: 1 September 2025 (subject to moon sighting)

A day to commemorate the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it’s observed with prayers, community gatherings, and acts of kindness.

Making the Most of Your Annual Leave in 2025

Public holidays in Dubai offer excellent opportunities to plan mini-breaks, recharge, or reconnect with loved ones. By strategically pairing these holidays with annual leave, you can maximize your time off without using up too many days of your allowance. Here are some ideas:

New Year’s Day (1 January, Wednesday)

Start the year with a refreshing getaway! If you take leave on Thursday (2 January) and Friday (3 January), you can enjoy a five-day holiday (1 January - 5 January).

Ideas for Your Holiday:

Take a road trip to Musandam (Oman) for breathtaking fjords and dolphin-watching tours.
Book a stay at Al Maha Resort in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for tranquil luxury and desert safaris.
Explore Dubai’s new year’s attractions like fireworks at Burj Khalifa and beachside dining at La Mer.
Book a room at a luxury hotel like Atlantis The Palm or Address Sky View to ring in the new year with style.
Drive to Hatta for kayaking, hiking, and eco-friendly stays.
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and enjoy the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s art exhibits.

Eid Al Fitr (31 March - 2 April, Monday to Wednesday)

This mid-week break can be turned into a week-long retreat by taking leave on Thursday (3 April) and Friday (4 April) and combining it with the weekend before and after.

Ideas for Your Holiday:

Treat your family to a beach vacation in Maldive with water villas and activities for all ages.
Fly to Kyoto or Tokyo to experience Japan’s stunning spring blooms.
Visit Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais for zip-lining adventures or a relaxing staycation by the coast.
Head home to reconnect with loved ones or explore nearby cities like Amman or Cairo for cultural immersion.
Enjoy Europe’s Spring charm in Paris or explore Southeast Asian destinations like Bali or Phuket.

Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (30 May - 2 June, Friday to Monday)

With Eid extending through a weekend, adding annual leave on Tuesday (3 June) and Wednesday (4 June) gives you six full days for travel. Consider destinations like Turkey, Maldives, or Georgia during this period for pleasant weather and short flights.

Ideas for Your Holiday:

Spend time in the serene Greek islands of Santorini or Mykonos.
Trek the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia for an adventurous escape or enjoy hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Head to the Seychelles or Mauritius for a tropical escape.
Blend history and culture with visits to the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Bosphorus.
Opt for a staycation at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort for poolside luxury and wellness treatments.

Islamic New Year (27 June, Friday)

A long weekend without using any leave! Take advantage of the summer to relax at a beach resort, explore indoor attractions in Dubai, or plan a quick international escape to cooler climates.

Ideas for Your Holiday:

Visit Yas Island in Abu Dhabi for theme parks or explore Al Ain’s cultural sites and forts.
Take the time to explore Dubai’s cultural sites like the Al Fahidi Historical District and Dubai Museum.
Relax at Jumeirah Beach, with options for water sports or a laid-back picnic.
Plan a quick trip to Salalah, Oman, to experience the Khareef season’s lush greenery and cooler weather.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (1 September, Monday)

Add Friday (30 August) and Sunday (31 August) to the weekend before, and you’ll create a rare four-day stretch perfect for road trips across the UAE or an urban escape to cities like Cairo or Amman.

Ideas for Your Holiday:

Plan a cycling adventure in Ras Al Khaimah or go kayaking in Abu Dhabi’s mangroves.
Enjoy Dubai’s luxurious spa resorts or visit theme parks in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Relax in Sri Lanka’s coastal towns or unwind on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.

UAE National Day (2-3 December, Tuesday and Wednesday)

End the year with a big trip! By taking Thursday (4 December) and Friday (5 December) off, you create a six-day weekend to explore winter destinations, including Europe’s Christmas markets or local cultural events across the UAE.

Ideas for Your Holiday:

Explore Christmas markets in Vienna, Strasbourg, or Munich for a magical winter getaway.
Attend the UAE National Day events, including parades and fireworks in Dubai or any other Emirate.
Stay at Qasr Al Sarab for an unforgettable luxury desert experience.
Visit Jordan’s Petra and Dead Sea

Many of Dubai’s public holidays are tied to Islamic traditions, reflecting the nation’s deep respect for its cultural and spiritual heritage. Holidays such as Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid Al Adha, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, are celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, and acts of generosity. These occasions not only bring families together but also encourage the values of compassion, gratitude, and giving back to the community.

Holidays like UAE National Day celebrate milestones in the country’s journey as a unified nation. Observed on 2 December, is a vibrant celebration of the UAE's founding in 1971. Parades, fireworks, and cultural events bring people from all walks of life together, highlighting the pride and unity of the nation.

Dubai’s holidays transcend cultural boundaries, creating shared experiences for its multi-national population. With over 200 nationalities calling the city home, public celebrations like New Year’s Day or Christmas offer moments for collective joy, regardless of one’s cultural or religious background. They foster inclusivity, allowing everyone to partake in the festive spirit through community events, light displays, and special offers around the city.