Barely three days into the week after the Prophet’s Birthday weekend, and we’re all guilty of mentally drifting off to faraway lands for our next vacay. The good news is that the next public holiday isn’t that far away. In fact, the next UAE public holiday is coming up in just a little over two months. If you’d been reading our previous articles, you’d know about the UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024. Well, it states that UAE will observe 12 official public holidays every year for both sectors- public and private. And when they say holidays they are referring not just to days of religious of significance but also national occasions. 11 public holidays flew, making way for the final public holiday of the year.
So, When’s The Next UAE Public Holiday?
As most of you guessed, the UAE National Day, is indeed the next public holiday. It will conclude the year 2025 with a bang. This year, the UAE National Day or Eid Al Etihad, as it is widely known these days, will fall on Tuesday, Dec 2. Generally both public and private sector get a 2-day break for the UAE National Day. That means, this year, Dec 2 and 3 – Tuesday and Wednesday will be off. Previously Nov 30 – Commemorative Day used to be a holiday, but the past few years haven’t been following the same.
Does This Mean That There’s No Long Weekend?
Nope, before you rule out the possibility of a long weekend with that long face, hear me out. The UAE public holiday law isn’t that rigid. The law has stated that in the event of the holidays occurring mid-week, there is a provision for it to be shifted closer to the weekend to grant residents a much-needed long weekend break. This law came into being at the start of this year. And it is the whole reason behind some of the long weekends we previously enjoyed this year.
Dates, Dates, Dates!
Considering the above scenario, if the government decides to move the holiday by a day, we’d get Monday, December 1 & Tuesday, December 2 off. That would mean, we score a 4-day weekend.
Now, here’s another possibility. Sometimes the government decides to gift us extended holidays. And if that’s in the cards, then UAE residents will get to enjoy 3 days of public holidays for Eid Al Etihad. Which means, Monday, Dec 1 to Wednesday, Dec 3 would be off. Yup, a 5-day weekend in the horizon!
Sharjah People Are In Luck!
Yup, if you work in Sharjah, then nothing like it. You’ve scored yourselves either a five-day or six-day long weekend depending on the final official holiday announcements. Either ways, Sharjah people would get an extra day off as compared to people of other emirates.
Parents, You’ve Got Good News Too!
Recently, most private schools have been directed to follow the unified academic calendar issued by the Ministry of Education. As per this calendar, schools would close for winter break on Friday, Dec 5. Which basically means there would be just two/three school days (Dec 4-5 or Dec 3-5) between Eid Al Etihad and winter break. In case of travel plans, you now know which days you need to take off. Take Dec 1, 4-5/3-5 off and say hello to a nine-day weekend! You can thank me later!
Also read: Here’s Why Some UAE Schools Will Miss The 4-Week Winter Break
UAE Public Holiday: What’s On The Charts For Eid Al Etihad?
Alright, while we wait for the exact location for the celebrations to be revealed, we do know for sure that it’s in Abu Dhabi. And also, that it’s going to be one lit, spectacular festival. Right from fireworks all over the city to drone storytelling shows and traffic fine discounts (last year, 4 emirates slashed fines by 50%) – expect nothing short of epic.
Also read: UAE’s Eid Al Etihad 2025 Plans Are Out – Fireworks, Drones & A Long Weekend!
Why Is It Called Eid Al Etihad And Not National Day Anymore?
Great question, I’m glad I’m not the only one wondering. While National Day sounds patriotic, no doubt, Eid Al Etihad which translates to Union Festival symbolizes the seven emirates converging to form one nation. Eid Al Etihad upholds the impressive journey of the nation towards progress and union, thereby being central to the national heritage and pride. On Nov 12 2024, the organizing committee of the UAE National Day celebrations announced their decision to change the official name of the celebration to Eid Al Etihad.
Alright, So Get Planning For The Next Public Holiday!
Now that we’ve delved deep into the significance of the day and the festivities awaiting, all that’s left to do is to pause dreaming and start planning! So, go ahead, do that – atleast a 2 day holiday is guaranteed! And if we’re lucky, that extends to a 4/5-day weekend!
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