UAE Announces Official Public Holiday Dates For 2025 Covering All Sectors

The UAE Cabinet recently announced Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which outlines the official public holidays for the year 2025 across both public and private sectors. This significant announcement was made public through the official gazette, providing a structured schedule of the nation's public holidays for the forthcoming year, adhering to a set of legislative frameworks that influence public holiday determinations in the UAE.

A meticulous review of key legislative documents was undertaken before establishing the resolution. These documents include Federal Law No. 11 of 2017, which grants 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 concerning Human Resources in the Federal Government, and Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2019 pertaining to Public Holidays in the state along with its amendments.

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2025 Public Holidays Calendar

The public holidays for 2025 have been carefully detailed, catering to both public and private sectors equally. They include 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 and Effective Date

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.

This resolution revokes the prior Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2019 and any conflicting provisions, set to be effective from January 1, 2025.

Unified Holidays for Public and Private Sectors

The unified approach to public holidays in the UAE ensures all employees, regardless of their sector, enjoy equal days off. This not only promotes a balanced work-life dynamic but also fosters cultural observance amongst the workforce. By setting a clear and consistent public holidays calendar, the UAE Cabinet's resolution reinforces the nation's commitment to ensuring clarity and uniformity in its observance of public holidays, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of its workforce.

This resolution represents a well-structured approach to recognizing and celebrating public holidays in the UAE, ensuring all residents can plan their holidays well in advance while appreciating the cultural and religious significance of these days. With this forward-looking initiative, the UAE continues to prioritize both cultural observance and work-life balance for its diverse population.