Public Holidays in 2025, Weekends, and Leave Types in the UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

25-12-2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a melting pot of cultures and industries, providing a perfect blend of professional opportunities and personal well-being. Central to this balance are the regulations surrounding public holidays in the UAE, weekends, and leave types, all governed by the UAE Labour Law. Understanding these provisions is crucial for both employees and employers to ensure compliance, fairness, and workplace harmony.

Are you wondering, "When is the next holiday in the UAE?" or trying to meet another deadline in your busy schedule? For HR professionals in a thriving business hub like the UAE, planning ahead is essential. Yet, unforeseen UAE public holidays can disrupt even the most meticulous schedules.

In 2025, the UAE will observe eight official public holidays, including Eid-ul-Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid-ul-Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, Commemoration Day, UAE National Day, and New Year’s day. These holidays not only offer opportunities for celebration and reflection but also provide valuable time off for relaxation and connection.

This comprehensive guide delivers the latest details about UAE public holidays, weekends, and leave types, empowering you to stay informed, plan effectively, and maximize your entitlements.

Public Holidays in the UAE

The UAE observes several public holidays each year. These holidays, rooted in Islamic and national traditions, offer employees a chance to celebrate, relax, and reconnect with loved ones. Employers must honor these days as per the UAE Labour Law.

New Year’s Day (January 1)

Celebrated on January 1, this marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. It’s a widely recognized holiday across all sectors.

Eid Al-Fitr

Marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, Eid Al-Fitr is one of the most significant Islamic holidays. It lasts for 2 to 4 days and includes communal prayers, feasts, and giving to charity.

Eid Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

Around two months after Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha celebrates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. This holiday aligns with the Hajj pilgrimage and typically lasts for 3 to 4 days.

Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year)

The Hijri New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. Its date varies annually based on the moon’s sighting.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

This holiday, also known as Mawlid Al-Nabi, commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Like other Islamic holidays, its date changes each year.

Commemoration Day (November 30)

Previously known as Martyr’s Day, this day honors those who sacrificed their lives for the UAE.

UAE National Day (December 2)

Celebrating the formation of the UAE in 1971, National Day is marked with parades, cultural events, and a public holiday lasting 1 to 2 days.

Arafat Day

Observed on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, Arafat Day is the day before Eid Al-Adha and holds great significance as it marks the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims around the world fast and engage in prayers on this day.

Key Public Holidays Dates in UAE 2025

Public holidays in the UAE are primarily based on the Hijri (Islamic lunar calendar) and the Gregorian calendar. This means some holiday dates shift annually, depending on the sighting of the moon. Below is the detailed list of public holidays in the UAE for 2025.

1. New Year’s Day

Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Significance:
New Year’s Day is celebrated across the UAE, marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Businesses, schools, and government offices close, allowing residents to enjoy festivities with friends and family.

Traditions:

1. Fireworks displays in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
2. Family gatherings and outings to parks, malls, or beaches.

2. Eid Al-Fitr

Expected Dates: Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Tuesday, April 1, 2025*
(*Subject to moon sighting)

Significance:
Eid Al-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is one of the most important Islamic holidays.

Traditions:

1. Early morning Eid prayers at mosques.
2. Sharing festive meals with family and friends.
3. Giving of Eidiya (gifts or money) to children and the less fortunate.

3. Arafat Day

Date: Friday, June 6, 2025*
(*Subject to moon sighting)

Significance:
Arafat Day is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage. It holds deep spiritual importance as pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat to pray and seek forgiveness.

Traditions:

1. Observed by Muslims worldwide with fasting and prayers.

4. Eid Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

Expected Dates: Saturday, June 7, 2025 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025*
(*Subject to moon sighting)

Significance:
Eid Al-Adha, or the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. It is celebrated after Arafat Day and is considered the "Greater Eid."

Traditions:

1. Qurbani (sacrificial animal slaughter) and distribution of meat to the needy.
2. Family meals and gatherings.
3. Charity and helping the less fortunate.

5. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

Date: Evening of Thu, Jun 26, 2025 – Fri, Jun 27, 2025 Dates may vary
(*Subject to moon sighting)

Significance:
The Hijri New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is a day of reflection and spiritual renewal.

Traditions:

1. Special prayers at mosques.
2. Quiet observance with family and community.

6. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid Al-Nabi)

Date: Evening of Thu, Sep 4, 2025 – Fri, Sep 5, 2025 Dates may vary
(*Subject to moon sighting)

Significance:
This day commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a revered figure in Islam.

Traditions:

1. Religious gatherings to recite the Seerah (life of the Prophet).
2. Charitable activities and acts of kindness.

7. Commemoration Day

Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025

Significance:
Commemoration Day, formerly known as Martyr’s Day, honors the sacrifices of Emirati soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation.

Traditions:

1. A nationwide moment of silence at 11:30 AM.
2. Official ceremonies to pay tribute to the martyrs.

8. UAE National Day

Dates: Monday, December 1, 2025, and Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Significance:
National Day celebrates the unification of the seven emirates in 1971, marking the founding of the UAE. It is one of the most joyous and vibrant holidays in the country.

Traditions:

1. Fireworks, parades, and cultural events across the emirates.
2. Display of the UAE flag on buildings and vehicles.
3. Public concerts and family-friendly activities.

Holiday	Date (2025)	Day	Duration	Description
New Year’s Day	January 1	Wednesday	1 Day	Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
Eid Al-Fitr	March 30 – April 2	Sunday – Wednesday	4 Days	Celebrates the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Arafat Day	June 6	Friday	1 Day	The second day of Hajj, a day of prayer and fasting.
Eid Al-Adha	June 7 – June 9	Saturday – Monday	3 Days	Also called the "Festival of Sacrifice," aligns with the Hajj pilgrimage.
Hijri New Year	Evening of Thu, Jun 26, 2025 – Fri, Jun 27, 2025	Dates may vary	1 Day	Marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday	Evening of Thu, Sep 4, 2025 – Fri, Sep 5, 2025	Dates may vary	1 Day	Commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
Commemoration Day	November 30	Sunday	1 Day	Honors the sacrifices of the UAE's martyrs.
UAE National Day	December 2 – December 3	Tuesday – Wednesday	2 Days	Celebrates the formation of the UAE in 1971.

Weekends in the UAE

The UAE transitioned to a Saturday-Sunday weekend in January 2022 to align with global markets. This move aimed to improve economic ties and work-life balance for residents.

Weekend Structure

Weekend Days:

1. The official weekend in the UAE is now Saturday and Sunday.
2. This applies to most public and private sector entities.

Friday Half-Day Work:

1. For many government and private organizations, Fridays are half-working days, ending before Jumu’ah (Friday prayers).

Impact of the Weekend Change

The shift strengthened UAE's connection with global markets and enhanced productivity. It allowed residents to better align their personal lives with international schedules, especially for those with family or business ties abroad.

Leave Types in the UAE

The UAE Labour Law ensures that employees enjoy a variety of leave types to meet their personal, professional, and familial needs. These leaves include annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and more.

1. Annual Leave

   Annual leave provides employees time off for rest and rejuvenation.

   Entitlement:

   Employees with at least one year of service: 30 calendar days per year.
   Employees with six months to one year of service: 2 days per month.

   Key Rules:

   Employers must schedule annual leave in agreement with employees.
   Unused leave may be carried forward or compensated, depending on company policy.

2. Sick Leave

   Sick leave supports employees during periods of illness.

   Entitlement:

   Up to 90 days per year, divided as:
   First 15 days: Full pay
   Next 30 days: Half pay
   Remaining 45 days: Unpaid leave

   Requirements:

   Employees must notify their employer within three days of falling ill.
   A medical certificate from a licensed healthcare provider is mandatory.

3. Maternity Leave

   The UAE offers generous maternity benefits to support working mothers.

   Entitlement:

   60 calendar days: 45 days at full pay and 15 days at half pay.

   Additional Leave:

   Mothers can take 45 days of unpaid leave if needed.
   Nursing mothers are entitled to two additional breaks daily, up to 6 months after returning to work.

4. Paternity Leave

   Fathers are entitled to 5 days of paid paternity leave, which can be taken within the first 6 months of the child’s birth.

5. Parental Leave

   Parental leave provides both parents with 5 days of paid leave to bond with their newborns.

6. Hajj Leave

   Muslim employees can take 30 days of unpaid leave to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

7. Bereavement Leave

   Employees can take bereavement leave in case of a family member’s death:

   • 5 days for the death of a spouse.
   • 3 days for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild.
8. Study Leave

   Employees enrolled in recognized institutions can take 10 days of unpaid leave per year to prepare for exams or further their education.

How to Apply for Leave in the UAE

Applying for leave in the UAE involves a straightforward process:

1. Submit a Written Request: Specify the type, duration, and reason for leave.
2. Provide Necessary Documents: Include medical certificates, proof of enrollment, or other relevant documentation.
3. Adhere to Notice Periods: Follow company policies regarding the timing of leave requests.

Employers are expected to process leave requests promptly and fairly, adhering to the UAE Labour Law.

Conclusion

Public holidays in the UAE offer employees a valuable opportunity to rest, celebrate, and reconnect with loved ones. These holidays, driven by both Islamic traditions and national pride, are essential for work-life balance. Understanding the public holidays, weekends, and leave types in the UAE is crucial for both employees and employers to ensure compliance with the UAE Labour Law and to make the most of the time off. Whether it's Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, or UAE National Day, these occasions provide the chance for cultural reflection and community celebrations. As the UAE continues to grow as a business hub, it's important to stay informed about the holiday calendar and plan accordingly.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide about the public holidays, weekends, and leave types in the UAE is intended for general informational purposes only. The dates for holidays like Eid Al-Fitr, Arafat Day, and Eid Al-Adha are subject to change based on the lunar calendar and moon sightings, so they may vary each year. We recommend verifying the exact dates closer to the year in question and consulting official sources, such as government announcements or the UAE Labour Law, for the most accurate and up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes in holiday dates or leave policies.

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Managing Leave with TimeChart

Managing leave types, including annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and other types of leave, can be a complex task for both employers and employees in the Middle East. To streamline the process and ensure accuracy in leave tracking, businesses in the middle east are increasingly turning to TimeChart, a time attendance system that offers powerful tools for managing employee attendance and leave requests.

TimeChart helps businesses automate the entire leave process, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring that employees’ leave entitlements are tracked accurately. With features such as leave balance tracking, automated approval workflows, and real-time updates, TimeChart makes it easier for both employers and employees to manage leave efficiently.

The TimeChart system allows employees to submit leave requests online, and supervisors can approve or deny these requests within the system. It also integrates with biometric time attendance systems, ensuring that all leave records are linked to accurate clock-in and clock-out data, making it simpler for businesses to comply with labor laws.

Additionally, TimeChart provides detailed reports, allowing employers to monitor leave patterns, track employee absences, and ensure compliance with the middle east laws and company policies.

Read more about types of Leaves in UAE Labour Law: Annual Leave in UAE

How Timechart Can Help Businesses, Employees, and Managers

Timechart offers a range of tools and features designed to streamline workforce management. Its user-friendly interface and smart functionalities provide significant benefits for businesses, employees, and managers alike. Let’s explore how Timechart simplifies attendance tracking, unpaid leave management, and overall employee engagement.

Benefits for Businesses

1. Efficient Leave Management:
   • Timechart automates leave tracking, making it easy to manage unpaid leave, annual leave, and sick leave.
   • Businesses can ensure compliance with Labour Laws, reducing legal risks.
2. Accurate Attendance Tracking:
   • Timechart’s biometric attendance system eliminates manual errors and provides real-time updates on employee attendance.
   • Mobile time attendance capabilities ensure remote and on-site employees are accounted for.
3. Improved Compliance:
   • Built-in features help employers stay updated with labour law requirements, including Hajj leave, extended sick leave, and maternity leave policies.
   • Customized reports ensure accurate records for audits or inspections.
4. Cost Savings:
   • Automating processes reduces the need for manual administration, saving time and resources.
   • Detailed analytics provide insights into employee productivity and absenteeism trends, helping businesses optimize their workforce.

Benefits for Employees

1. Transparency in Leave Tracking:
   • Employees can easily apply for unpaid leave and monitor their leave balances using the Timechart app.
   • Automated notifications ensure they are updated on the status of their leave requests.
2. Flexibility for Remote Work:
   • Timechart’s mobile features enable employees to log attendance from anywhere, ensuring seamless workflow for remote or hybrid teams.
3. Access to Records:
   • Employees can access their attendance history, overtime records, and leave applications anytime, promoting trust and transparency.
4. Stress-Free Compliance:
   • With clear visibility into labour law-compliant leave policies, employees feel secure and confident in their entitlements.

Benefits for Managers

1. Centralized Management:
   • Managers can oversee attendance, unpaid leave, and sick leave requests from a single dashboard.
   • Real-time updates allow managers to make informed decisions quickly.
2. Improved Productivity:
   • With attendance data and leave patterns readily available, managers can allocate tasks effectively, avoiding understaffing or overburdening employees.
3. Enhanced Communication:
   • Timechart bridges communication gaps by enabling direct updates on leave approvals, attendance discrepancies, or schedule changes.
4. Performance Insights:
   • Analytics and reports generated by Timechart provide a clear picture of employee performance, enabling proactive management.

Additional Benefits

1. Customizable Policies:
   • Timechart allows businesses to customize leave and attendance policies based on their unique needs while remaining compliant with laws.
2. Cloud-Based Accessibility:
   • As a cloud-based platform, Timechart ensures secure access to data from anywhere, promoting flexibility and scalability.
3. Integration with Payroll:
   • Timechart integrates seamlessly with payroll systems, ensuring accurate calculation of unpaid leave deductions and other benefits.
4. Enhanced Employee Engagement:
   • By reducing administrative burdens and improving communication, Timechart fosters a more engaged and motivated workforce.

Why Choose Timechart?

Timechart’s advanced yet simple tools are designed to meet the unique needs of businesses in the Middle East. It ensures compliance with local labour laws, enhances operational efficiency, and promotes transparency at every level. Whether managing unpaid leave, streamlining attendance tracking, or improving employee satisfaction, Timechart stands out as an invaluable tool for modern workforce management.

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