Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
At the start of the year, UAE employees across the public and private sectors can plan their time off and possible long weekends well in advance, thanks to a unified framework governing official public holidays.
Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024 Concerning the Public Holidays in the State, which came into effect in January 2025, provides clear guidance on religious and national observances, while also allowing flexibility in the implementation of certain holidays.
Most of the country’s public holidays are linked to the Islamic calendar and therefore subject to moon-sighting.
The next long weekend is expected on Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It will be observed from Shawwal 1 to 3, providing a three-day holiday, with the likely dates falling on Friday, March 20, to Sunday, March 22, depending on the moon-sighting.
However, if the holy month extends to 30 days, the final day of Ramadan will be added as an extra holiday to the Eid Al Fitr break, according to the resolution.
Next up will be Arafah Day, which is marked on Dhul Hijjah 9 and recognised as a one-day holiday. It is immediately followed by Eid Al Adha, which spans Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12.
Combined, these two occasions are expected to be observed from May 26 to May 29, depending on the moon-sighting. Combined with the weekend, this period is likely to be the longest official holiday of the year.
The following month, a one-day holiday is set for Hijri New Year, marking the first day of Muharram. It is expected to fall on Tuesday, June 16.
Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, falling on Rabi’ Al Awwal 12, is also recognised as a one-day public holiday, expected around Tuesday, August 25, pending moon-sighting.
National celebrations cap off the calendar, with the UAE marking its 55th National Day with a two-day public holiday on December 2 and 3.
The resolution allows for the possibility of extended breaks, as it stipulates that the Cabinet may shift public holidays that fall midweek to the beginning or end of the week. However, this excludes Eid holidays and public holidays may not be transferred if they coincide with another public holiday or fall on a weekend.
The resolution also grants local governments the authority to declare additional holidays for their own entities.
