UAE Celebrates Eid Al Etihad with Extended Breaks

Eid Al Etihad: Four to Five Day Holiday Break Await UAE Public Sector Workers

The United Arab Emirates' national holiday, Eid Al Etihad, once again stands out as a pivotal event in the country's social and administrative life. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department announced that public sector employees will receive official holidays on December 1 and 2, which falls on Monday and Tuesday in 2025. With the addition of weekend days, this results in a four-day continuous break, offering an opportunity for an extended festive retreat.

What is Eid Al Etihad and why is it important for the country?

Eid Al Etihad, the National Day of the United Arab Emirates, commemorates the anniversary of the unification of the seven emirates. This historical event took place on December 2, 1971, when Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and later Ras Al Khaimah joined together in a federation to form the United Arab Emirates. This day is one of the most significant milestones in the nation's modern history, celebrated each year with colorful events, fireworks, traditional programs, and community gatherings.

The Dubai decision: Four-day break for the public sector

Dubai's leadership honors the anniversary of state formation by granting days off to government employees. According to the official announcement, the holiday on December 1 and 2, combined with weekend days—Saturday and Sunday—creates a long four-day weekend for most government employees. It is important to note that this decision does not apply to institutions and organizations that provide continuous services or operate on a shift basis. These organizations may set their work schedules according to their operational needs.

The measure has a dual purpose: it enables government workers to celebrate appropriately and ensures the uninterrupted operation of public services during the festive period.

Sharjah: Five-day festive weekend thanks to the three-day weekend

While employees in Dubai and other emirates can enjoy a four-day break, those working in Sharjah's public sector can expect an even longer holiday. The reason is that Sharjah public officials already enjoy a three-day weekend—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—so the holiday Monday and Tuesday add two more days off. This totals five days at once, providing an ideal opportunity for a short foreign trip, family programs, or simple relaxation.

The situation for schools: Holiday break throughout the country

Not only the public sector but also educational institutions will receive the festive break. The UAE Ministry of Education officially announced that all emirates across the country—whether public or private schools—will have a vacation on December 1 and 2. School sessions will resume on Wednesday, December 3. However, as in the public sector, Sharjah schools will have a longer break due to the three-day weekend system, resulting in a five-day holiday for students.

How do people utilize the long festive weekend?

During such long weekends, residents of Dubai and other emirates have numerous options to choose from. The four- or five-day break is a perfect opportunity for family travel, domestic explorations—such as desert tours, beach vacations, or cultural visits—, but many also take the opportunity to visit nearby countries—such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, or other visa-free countries for a short trip.

The Dubai city management and tourism office prepare a special program offering and attractions: thematic shows, festive parades, markets, and fireworks enrich the festive atmosphere.

Ensuring public services during the holiday also receives special attention

To ensure smooth city operations during the holiday period, Dubai pays special attention to services that cannot come to a halt. These include ambulance services, hospitals, water and energy suppliers, law enforcement agencies, transport companies, as well as airport and public transportation system operators. These service providers adjust work hours and shifts according to their internal regulations to ensure continuous service.

Closing thoughts

Eid Al Etihad is a celebration of unity, togetherness, and progress in the United Arab Emirates. The long weekend provides citizens and residents an opportunity to pause from the rush of everyday life and remember the birth of their nation in a fitting manner. Whether it involves relaxation, travel, or community celebration, this year's festivities also contribute to bringing the population closer to each other and to national values. Dubai and Sharjah's examples clearly show that governmental decisions are not merely administrative measures but also human-centered steps that improve quality of life.

(Source of the article announcement on the occasion of the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebration of the United Arab Emirates.)