The UAE National Day Holiday 2025 is one of the most anticipated breaks of the year, offering residents across the Emirates a well-deserved long weekend. As the final public holiday of the year, Union Day brings a festive spirit, patriotic celebrations, and extended time off for both the federal and private sectors. With the official dates now confirmed for government employees—and expected soon for private sector workers—residents can start planning a relaxing and memorable holiday.
What Is the UAE National Day Holiday 2025?
The UAE National Day Holiday 2025, known as Eid Al Etihad, marks the celebration of the country’s union established on December 2, 1971. In 2025, the UAE will celebrate its 54th Union Day with events, parades, fireworks, and cultural shows across all seven emirates.
This holiday is also the final public break of 2025, giving residents their last long weekend before the year wraps up.
Official Dates for UAE National Day Holiday 2025
Federal Government Holiday Announcement
According to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, the UAE National Day Holiday 2025 will fall on:
- Monday, December 1, 2025
- Tuesday, December 2, 2025
All federal government entities, ministries, and departments will observe these dates. With the weekend on Saturday and Sunday, employees get a full four-day long weekend.
Return to Work Date
Federal employees will return to work on:
- Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Expected UAE National Day Holiday 2025 for the Private Sector
The private sector announcement is still pending, but based on previous years and standard practice, the private sector is expected to follow the same dates as the federal sector.
This means:
- A four-day weekend is the most likely scenario
- Work resumes Wednesday, December 3, 2025
In 2024, both private and federal sectors had identical holiday dates, so 2025 is expected to continue the same pattern.
How UAE Public Holidays Are Determined
The UAE follows Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024, which outlines how public holidays are scheduled each year—including the UAE National Day Holiday 2025.
Fixed Gregorian Calendar Holidays
Some holidays in the UAE follow fixed Gregorian dates:
- New Year’s Day
- UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
These dates do not change each year.
Islamic Hijri Calendar Holidays
Islamic holidays such as:
- Eid Al Fitr
- Arafat Day
- Eid Al Adha
- Islamic New Year
depend on moon sighting, which means their dates shift annually.
Authority of the UAE Cabinet
The UAE Cabinet has the power to:
- Move non-Eid holidays to create longer weekends
- Allow local governments to declare additional holidays for special occasions
This ensures flexibility and convenience for residents and government operations.
Why the UAE National Day Holiday 2025 Is Special
The UAE National Day Holiday 2025 is not just a break—it is a nationwide celebration filled with unity, heritage, and excitement. Every year, the UAE showcases:
- Stunning fireworks across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates
- Traditional performances
- Cultural parades and heritage events
- Discounts across malls, hotels, theme parks, and restaurants
Families often plan outings, road trips, and staycations to make the most of this long break.
How Long Will the UAE National Day Holiday 2025 Be?
With the weekend included (Saturday & Sunday) plus Monday and Tuesday as official holidays, the total break will be:
- Saturday, November 29
- Sunday, November 30
- Monday, December 1
- Tuesday, December 2
This makes it a four-day long weekend, similar to the previous year.
Comparison With Previous Year’s National Day Holiday
In 2024:
- The holiday fell on December 2 and 3
- Combined with the weekend, the break lasted four days
The UAE National Day Holiday 2025 mirrors this same structure, ensuring consistency for residents and employers.
Travel and Staycation Tips for UAE National Day Holiday 2025
Best Local Destinations
- Dubai: Burj Khalifa fireworks, Global Village, Festival City
- Abu Dhabi: Corniche events, cultural shows, theme parks
- Sharjah: Heritage villages and family-friendly activities
- Ras Al Khaimah: Beach staycations and mountain resorts
Travel Planning Tips
- Book early—prices rise closer to National Day
- Consider road trips or staycations to avoid airport crowds
- Use public transport during celebrations to avoid traffic
Conclusion
The UAE National Day Holiday 2025 offers residents an exciting four-day long weekend, marking the final official break of the year. With celebrations across the country, this holiday provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy national pride, plan outings, and unwind before the year ends.
