When is the next public holiday in the UAE? Here's what’s left in 2025
UAE residents have just two more public holidays to look forward to before the end of 2025, with the next one expected as early as next month, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), anticipated to fall on Thursday, September 4, reports the Gulf News.
While the official date has yet to be confirmed by the UAE, astronomical calculations from the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) in Egypt indicate that the holiday may occur on that date.
In the UAE, the Prophet’s birthday is recognised as a public holiday under the Cabinet Resolution Concerning Public Holidays. If the expected date falls on a Thursday, the day off may be moved to Friday, in line with government policy for optimising public holidays.
According to UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the country observes 12 official public holidays each year for both the public and private sectors. These include key religious and national occasions, offering residents time to celebrate cultural and historical milestones.
Prophet Muhammad’s [PBUH] Birthday – (one-day holiday)
The Prophet’s birthday falls on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal in the Islamic calendar. The precise Gregorian date will be confirmed after the official moon-sighting announcement.
If Rabi Al-Awwal begins on Sunday night, August 24, then the holiday is expected to fall on Thursday, September 4, giving residents a mid-week day off.
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) – Tuesday and Wednesday, December 2 - 3 (two-day holiday)
The year concludes with mid-week holidays on December 2 and 3 to mark UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad). These dates fall on a Tuesday and Wednesday in 2025, potentially creating an extended break.
Although Commemoration Day is officially observed on Sunday, 30 November, it is typically marked on December 1. This means UAE residents could enjoy a four-day weekend from December 1 to 4.
Furthermore, under UAE holiday laws, public holidays can be moved to create longer weekends, meaning there’s a slight possibility of a five-day break during this period.
If this happens in 2025, UAE residents may get a two-day midweek break, or longer, depending on how the holidays are scheduled. The law also permits moving certain holidays to the start or end of the week to maximise time off.
How UAE public holidays are determined
Under Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024, the UAE Cabinet holds the authority to move public holidays, except for Eid holidays to either the start or end of the workweek through an official resolution.
In addition, local governments may declare extra holidays for specific occasions or other administrative purposes.
Gregorian calendar holidays, such as New Year’s Day and National Day, follow fixed dates.
Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar and depend on official moon sightings.
The Cabinet may shift non-Eid holidays to create long weekends for residents and visitors.
