UAE announces public holiday for January 1 for all employees

UAE residents can expect as many as 13 public holidays in 2025, though some significant changes are have been made

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that January 1, 2025, will be an official holiday in the UAE for all private sector employees. The announcement aligns with the UAE Cabinet's decision on official holidays for both government and private sector workers.

The holiday will fall on a Wednesday, marking the first public holiday of 2025 for government employees, according to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources. This follows the country's official list of public holidays, which was released earlier this year.

UAE residents can look forward to up to 13 public holidays in 2025. However, there will be some notable changes, particularly concerning the Islamic festival of Eid Al Fitr. Unlike previous years, the holiday will be shorter in 2025.

Shorter Eid Al Fitr holidays

The change to Eid Al Fitr marks the most significant alteration to the holiday schedule in recent years. Traditionally observed after the month of Ramadan, the Eid break in 2025 will see residents enjoy up to four days off. The holiday will cover the first three days of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan.

If Ramadan lasts for 30 days, residents will have a four-day break from Ramadan 30 to Shawwal 3. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, the break will only include the first three days of Eid (Shawwal 1 to 3). In 2024, the Eid Al Fitr holiday extended from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3, creating a nine-day break when combined with weekends.

Arafah day and Eid al Adha

In addition to Eid Al Fitr, another key holiday in 2025 will be Arafah Day on Dhul Hijjah 9, considered the holiest day in Islam. This will be followed by a three-day holiday for Eid Al Adha from Dhul Hijjah 10-12, offering another four days off for residents.

These updates reflect the UAE’s commitment to providing clear and structured holiday schedules, ensuring both residents and businesses can plan accordingly.