UAE Holidays: New Rules for Long Weekends

Long Weekends in the UAE: Can Holidays be Rescheduled?

For residents of the United Arab Emirates, every official holiday presents an opportunity to relax, enjoy family time, or even take a short trip. However, these holidays do not always fall favorably every year – often occurring mid-week, like on a Tuesday or Wednesday, which breaks the week and offers less chance for a continuous break. The good news is that from January 1, 2025, a new regulation allows the relocation of certain public holidays to the beginning or end of the week, providing a long weekend for residents.

What Does the New Regulation Say?

According to Cabinet Resolution 27/2024, the UAE government can relocate certain public holidays to the first day (e.g., Sunday) or the last day (e.g., Friday) of the week, should these holidays fall mid-week. The aim is for residents to have longer weekends to promote mental well-being and family time.

However, it's important to note that this rule isn't automatic: each case requires a specific cabinet decision to relocate the holidays for that year. That is, even if theoretically possible, if the government does not issue a decision, the holiday remains on its original date.

Which Holidays Can be Moved?

According to the regulation, the following holidays may fall into the movable category:

New Year's Day (January 1)

Labor Day (May 1)

National Day (December 2)

Other secular holidays that are not tied to religious events

In contrast, Islamic religious holidays, such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, or Arafat Day, cannot be moved. These dates are determined by the Hijri calendar and lunar position and strictly adhere to them, so deviation is not possible.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

For instance, if the National Day falls on a Tuesday in a particular year, the cabinet might decide to move this holiday to Sunday or Friday, so workers receive a continuous three-day weekend. This not only benefits residents but can boost domestic tourism as more people choose to visit places like Dubai or mountain retreats for the long weekend.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

Employers must wait for the annual official holiday calendar to be published every year, which includes the relocated holidays. This calendar is usually released by the UAE government through official channels early in the year. Until then, companies cannot decisively plan long weekends for their employees.

However, for employers, pre-announced long weekends can facilitate better workforce management, scheduling, and even serve as a motivational tool. Several companies organize short company trips or team-building programs around the long weekends once the calendar is out.

Impact on Tourism and Economy

The long weekends also positively impact the service industry, particularly the hospitality, catering, retail, and entertainment sectors in cities like Dubai. Once a long weekend is confirmed, accommodations, tickets, and airlines expect a surge in demand.

Traveling by plane during extended weekends is especially popular in the region. Many residents seize the opportunity to travel for a few days to destinations like Georgia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, or even European locations. Simultaneously, the number of returning travelers to Dubai increases, drawn by the city's world-class hotels, beaches, and restaurants.

Feedback from Residents

The relocation of holidays is a recurrent topic on social media platforms. Most residents support movable holidays, especially those who want to travel with their families or live in rural areas needing travel for programs. The ability to plan and have continuous days off is increasingly important for work-life balance.

Conclusion

The UAE's new regulation allowing certain holidays to be moved to the beginning or end of the week can elevate residents' rest opportunities while contributing to economic stimulation. While religious holidays remain immovable, the flexible handling of secular holidays benefits both residents and economic players.

For people to actually plan, the cabinet's swift and clear communication regarding that year's holidays is essential. Since each decision is case-by-case, focus remains on the release of the official calendar at the start of the year. Meanwhile, it's advisable to watch official sources to timely plan the next long weekend getaway – whether by plane or within the country.

(Source of the article is based on the cabinet resolution effective from January 1, 2025.)