Getting flight tickets, booking hotels, building an itinerary, and even securing a visa all take a lot of time, and that’s exactly what we are running out of right now. Time. With exactly 1 month left until the holliest jolliest day of the year comes around, the question on a lot of UAE residents’ minds is, “Will Dubai get a public holiday for Christmas?” If that question has popped into your head recently, then keep reading as I break down the answer for you.
Also read: Predictions For UAE’s 2026 Public Holidays – How Many Long Weekends Will There Be?
Can You Get The Day Off For Christmas In The UAE?
This year, December 25th falls on a Thursday – kind of an awkward day in the middle of the week, if you ask me. Considering we live in an Islamic country and Christmas is a Christian holiday, businesses in the UAE are not legally required to recognise the holiday and give a day off to employees. However, it’s worth checking with your employer directly to see if they offer leave for the occasion. Seeing as it is only 1 month away, doing so sooner rather than later would be a more considerate way of asking so that arrangements can be made during your absence from work. While some companies offer a break for their Christian employees right off the bat, if yours doesn’t, you may need to tap into your annual leaves if you want the day off.
Planning A Day Off For Boxing Day Too?
Think of taking Boxing Day off, too? This year, Boxing Day also falls during the work week – Thursday, December 26. That means… yup, you guessed it. You will most definitely have to use your annual leave in order to take Thursday off, too. While Boxing Day is a lovely tradition that marks the first day after Christmas, when people donate gifts to the less fortunate, this holiday is not recognised in the UAE. Unless you have a very generous boss, that means there’s no chance for some extra time off. So, with all this information in mind, be sure to plan ahead and arrange your days off early if you want to make the most of the festive season.
Celebrating Christmas In Dubai
Even though Christmas isn’t a public holiday, Dubai is still a multicultural city that embraces holidays from all countries/religions. From Oktoberfest to Halloween and Diwali to Christmas, Dubai has a place for every community. And if you didn’t know, spending Christmas is no small fair in Dubai. The city loves going all out for this festive time of year. From snowy activities, festive markets to tree-lighting ceremonies, and winter wonderlands, Dubai knows how to get down with Saint Nick. AKA Santa Claus.
So, put all those worries away because you’ll definitely still enjoy a very Merry Christmas in Dubai! And that’s exactly why you need to stay tuned to Gulf Buzz. We’re about to drop all the best recommendations of what you can do around UAE for Christmas!
