Looking for your next holiday fix but don’t know how long you have to wait? Lucky for you, the next UAE public holiday is right around the corner and I’m going to give you all the details about it. And while I’m already here? Why don’t I take you through all the long weekends left for us in 2025? Sound like a plan? Perfect, let’s get into it!
Also read: This Might Be Dubai’s Most Insane Travel Hack! Stay At This Hotel & You Can Get A FREE Return Flight
Two Long Weekends Left This Year
We’re down to the final 2 long weekends in 2025. So, listen up carefully and make sure you get these dates down asap!
1. Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha
For those of you hungry for a break, don’t worry because the next one is coming in hot in the first week of JUNE! Here are the predicted dates we know so far for Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha:
- Thursday, June 5 – Arafat Day
- Friday, June 6 – Eid Al Adha (Day 1)
- Saturday, June 7 – Eid Al Adha (Day 2) (Weekend)
- Sunday, June 8 – Eid Al Adha (Day 3) (Weekend)
While these dates are still based on moon sighting and might shift slightly, the UAE has already confirmed a 4-day public holiday for this occasion. So yes, you can start dreaming of a long, relaxing break from Thursday to Sunday.
Turn It Into a 9-Day Holiday with a Simple Hack
Now, here’s where it gets exciting. With just a few clever days of leave, you can stretch that 4-day break into a 9-day holiday!
Option 1: If Arafat Day Falls on Thursday
- Take annual leave on:
Monday, June 2, Tuesday, June 3, and Wednesday, June 4 - End result:
You’re off from Saturday, May 31 to Sunday, June 8, using just 3 days of PTO!
Option 2: Just In Case Arafat Day Falls on Friday
- Public holidays would then fall from Friday, June 6 to Monday, June 9
- Take leave on:
Monday, June 2, Tuesday, June 3, Wednesday, June 4, and Thursday, June 5 - That gives you a full 9-day break with 4 days of leave – still totally worth it, right?
Either way, this is your golden window to book that summer getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
2. Commemoration Day & Union Day
Coming up at the end of the year, this holiday combo is one of the most special times in the UAE. For those of you who don’t know:
- Commemoration Day (formerly Martyrs’ Day) is takes place on November 30 to honour UAE’s fallen heroes and the sacrifices they made this this country.
- Union Day (aka National Day) is celebrated on December 2, marking the founding of the UAE back in 1971.
Based on trends from the previous few years, here are the 2 days we will get off for Union Day:
- Tuesday, December 2 – Union Day
- Wednesday, December 3 – Public Holiday
Since Commemoration Day falls on a Sunday this year (November 30), and with the latest cabinet resolution giving local governments the power to extend public holidays, there’s a strong chance that Monday, December 1 could be given off too. If that happens, we’re looking at a (potential) lovely 5-day long weekend from Sunday to Wednesday. And if you know anything about how UAE celebrate’s it’s National Day, then you’ll know the more days, the MERIER!
Make the Most of What’s Left
Sure, 2025 might not have spoiled us with as many long weekends as 2024 (remember that 9-day Eid break? Pure bliss), but there’s still time to make some unforgettable memories. Use those leave days wisely, plan ahead, and enjoy every moment of the breaks we do have. And fingers crossed 2026 is a little more generous with the holidays!
You may also like: Predictions For UAE’s 2026 Public Holidays – How Many Long Weekends Will There Be?
