UAE announces public holiday dates for 2025

The UAE Cabinet has issued Resolution No. 27 of 2024, detailing the official public holidays for both the public and private sectors in 2025. Published in the official gazette, this resolution outlines the specific dates and regulations governing the nation’s public holidays for the upcoming year.

Key Highlights of the Resolution

The resolution was established following a comprehensive review of several key legislative documents, including the UAE Constitution, Federal Law No. 11 of 2017 on granting the Cabinet specific competencies, Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations and its amendments, Federal Law No. 49 of 2022 on Human Resources in the Federal Government, and Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2019 concerning Public Holidays in the state and its amendments.

Public Holidays Calendar for 2025

As per local media reports, the public holiday calendar for 2025 includes the following days:

• New Year’s Day: A one-day holiday on January 1, 2025, for both sectors.
• Eid Al-Fitr: A three-day holiday from Shawwal 1 to 3, based on the moon sighting. An additional day may be added if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
• Arafat Day: A holiday on Dhu Al Hijjah 9.
• Eid Al-Adha: A three-day holiday from Dhu Al Hijjah 10 to 12.
• Islamic New Year: One day off on Muharram 1.
• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: A holiday on Rabi Al Awwal 12.
• UAE National Day: Two days off on December 2 and 3 to commemorate the 54th UAE National Day.

Additional Provisions

• Article 2: The Cabinet may move any official holiday, except for Eid holidays, to the beginning or end of the week.
• Article 3: A public holiday cannot be transferred if it coincides with another public holiday or a weekend.
• Article 4: Local governments have the discretion to approve additional holidays for their departments on special occasions.

The resolution revokes the previous Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2019 and any conflicting provisions. It will come into effect on January 1, 2025.

FAQs

• When does the resolution come into effect? The resolution will be effective from January 1, 2025.
• How many days are granted for Eid Al-Fitr? A three-day holiday is granted from Shawwal 1 to 3, with an additional day possible if Ramadan lasts 30 days.
• Can holidays be moved to other days? Yes, except for Eid holidays, any official holiday can be moved to the beginning or end of the week by a Cabinet decision.
• Are there holidays for the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and Islamic New Year? Yes, there is one day off each for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday on Rabi Al Awwal 12 and Islamic New Year on Muharram 1.
• What happens if a holiday falls on a weekend? If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it cannot be transferred to another day.

The list of holidays applies to both government and private sectors unless stated otherwise. In the UAE, a unified list for the public and private sectors ensures employees working in either sector get an equal number of days off.

This comprehensive approach ensures clarity and consistency in the observance of public holidays across the UAE, promoting work-life balance and cultural observance for both public and private sector employees.

News Source: Gulf Business