More Days Off in UAE 2025: What to Know
Official 2025 UAE Holidays: Why You Might Have More Days Off?
The United Arab Emirates has released its official 2025 holidays, so if you're planning a trip or a break, you can start making arrangements now! Holiday periods are always exciting for UAE residents, as they offer opportunities for family gatherings, travel, or exploring local tourism. The new year furthermore promises a special opportunity: in 2025, you can expect considerably more days off than in previous years.
Why Will There Be More Days Off?
One main reason for the increased number of holidays next year is that several official holidays fall mid-week, allowing many to create extended weekends for themselves. For those who plan wisely, combining workdays between days off and holidays can lead to multiple long weekends. This is particularly beneficial when organizing international trips or simply exploring local tourism.
Islamic lunar calendar religious holidays also affect the number of holidays, as certain celebrations change annually, meaning more flexibility is needed when planning your time off.
Holidays to Remember
In the UAE, official holidays are mostly religious and national in nature, so it's worth noting the following dates:
New Year's Day (January 1, 2025):
Like most countries, the UAE celebrates the first day of the new year as a holiday. It's a great opportunity to celebrate with friends and family or to start the year with relaxation.
End of Ramadan – Eid al-Fitr:
The conclusion of Ramadan is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic world. It varies according to the lunar calendar but is anticipated in late April 2025, accompanied by several days of festivities.
Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha:
Arafat Day and the subsequent sacrificial festival, Eid al-Adha, is expected at the end of June or early July 2025, also ensuring several days of celebration.
Islamic New Year:
The Islamic lunar calendar's new year will be in July or August 2025, marking another official holiday in the UAE.
Mouloud Day (The Prophet's Birthday):
This holiday falls in September 2025 and is an important religious event, also observed as an official holiday.
National Day (December 2-3, 2025):
The UAE National Day is one of the year's biggest events. This period is ideal for celebrating the formation of the United Arab Emirates, with residents typically engaging in multi-day programs and celebrations.
How to Make the Most of Extended Weekends?
UAE's official holidays are always designed considering work and school calendars, so it's worthwhile to plan ahead on how to make the most of these breaks. Here are some tips on maximizing your extra days off:
1. Plan your travels in advance: The known holiday dates provide an excellent opportunity to book flights and accommodations well in advance, and plan your trips.
2. Visit local attractions: Dubai and the UAE offer countless options for domestic tourism enthusiasts. If you're not planning to travel abroad, explore the country’s cultural, natural, and entertainment options!
3. Combine your days off with weekends: As previously mentioned, many official holidays fall on weekdays, allowing the potential for organizing extended weekends. Consider taking off Fridays or Mondays from work for more rest.
4. Relax and unwind: If you don't feel like making grand plans, official holidays are perfect for resting from work's stress and spending time with family, friends, or yourself.
Summary
The year 2025 in the UAE offers numerous opportunities for relaxation and celebration. The official holidays can provide longer weekends and more days off, making it worthwhile to start planning now to take full advantage of the year's opportunities. Whether it's travel, relaxation, or cultural programs, 2025 is guaranteed to be an exciting and relaxing year for residents of the United Arab Emirates.
