The UAE National Day 2025 holiday is one of the most awaited public holidays in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). People celebrate it annually on December 2 and 3 to honour the country’s historic unification in 1971. According to the UAE Cabinet’s official public holiday calendar for 2025, these dates are fixed on the Gregorian calendar and apply across all emirates.
Currently, only two public holidays remain this year, i.e, the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday and UAE National Day. Many residents like you are already making plans for what could potentially be a five-day weekend in December.
Confirmed Dates for UAE National Day 2025 Holiday
The UAE National Day 2025 holiday will be officially observed on the following dates:
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – UAE National Day
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 – Official Holiday
The nationwide confirmation of these holidays applies to both government and private sector employees. Both days are going to be national celebrations of the country’s unity, culture, and achievements.
Is a 5-Day Weekend Possible in December 2025?
Indeed, there is a high chance of a long weekend during the UAE National Day 2025 holiday. If the UAE government declares Monday, December 1, as an additional day off. So, you could enjoy an extended break from Friday, November 28, to Wednesday, December 3 (5 days total)
However, this decision will be announced closer to the time. The UAE Cabinet has shifted non-Eid holidays to create long weekends and improve work-life balance, as permitted under Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024.
Remaining UAE Public Holidays in 2025
As we told you before, only two holidays remain in 2025. The first one is Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday that is expected to fall on Thursday, September 4 or Friday, September 5, 2025, based on the Hijri calendar and moon sighting.
Another one is the UAE National Day 2025 Holiday, which will fall on December 2 and 3, 2025. However, there is a high chance of an extended weekend if December 1 is added
How UAE Public Holidays Are Determined
Public holidays in the UAE are announced by the UAE Cabinet and follow two systems. See the details below to learn more about the UAE holiday system:
- Islamic holidays (like Eid and the Prophet’s birthday) are based on moon sightings as well as the Hijri calendar.
- Gregorian holidays (like the UAE National Day 2025 holiday) follow fixed calendar dates.
The Cabinet has the power to shift non-Eid holidays to the start or end of the workweek to increase weekend breaks. Moreover, separate emirates can declare extra holidays for local government departments or special events.
Why the UAE National Day 2025 Holiday Matters
The UAE National Day 2025 holiday is more than a holiday. It is a symbol of national pride, which highlights the nation’s progress since its formation. Moreover, it is also a prime opportunity for domestic tourism etc, cultural events, and fireworks across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates.
It means that Residents and tourists will get the opportunity to enjoy:
- Family gatherings and cultural events
- Extended travel plans
- Hotel and shopping discounts
- Public parades and fireworks displays
Stay Updated
You are advised to follow the latest confirmation on the UAE National Day 2025 holiday and any potential extra days off:
- UAE Government Media Office
- Official news portals
- Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department
Announcements are made weeks in advance for national holidays and long weekends.
Conclusion
The UAE National Day 2025 holiday brings with it both celebration and the potential for a much-needed break. December promises to be a festive time for residents, expats, and tourists across the Emirates, regardless of the long weekend.
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