Think restful long weekends and late-night adventures
Living in the UAE means sunshine, skyscrapers, and… strategic long weekends.
Whether you’re planning a mini escape or just dreaming of extra sleep-ins, there are still a few public holidays to look forward to before the year wraps up.
With 2025 already in full swing, the UAE has a few more national breaks on the horizon; ideal for a staycation, cultural exploration, or simply soaking up the peaceful vibe that settles in across the cities during public holidays.
What’s left in 2025?
While some of the year’s big holidays like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha have come and gone, there are still two official public holidays scheduled to bring the year to a satisfying close:
Friday, 5 September (to be confirmed): The birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a day of reflection and respect, often offering a calm start to the weekend.
Tuesday, 2 December & Wednesday, 3 December: UAE National Day celebrations return with fireworks, parades, and patriotic joy. If you’re lucky, you might snag a four-day weekend depending on your workweek.
In the UAE, both public and private sectors benefit from official holidays, and while most dates shift slightly each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar, modern astronomy helps predict them pretty closely.
Final confirmations, however, always come from the UAE authorities.
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Even better, the UAE Cabinet can decide to move certain holidays to the start or end of the workweek; hello, long weekends.
These breaks are more than just days off. They’re opportunities to explore vibrant markets, take a late-night desert walk, enjoy quiet time with family, or discover the best spots to experience Abu Dhabi and Dubai after dark; from waterfront dining to cultural landmarks glowing under the city lights.
If you live in the UAE, it’s worth keeping an eye on announcements closer to each holiday. Moon sightings and cabinet decisions can shift things slightly, but one thing’s for sure: a few more days of well-earned downtime are still coming your way.
So, whether you’re booking flights or planning a slow weekend at home, the rest of 2025 has some rewarding breaks in store.
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