Dubai: Check out the list of public holidays in UAE on January 17, 2025:
Public Holidays 2025 List
| Holiday | Dates |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2025 |
| Eid Al Fitr* | March 31 – April 2, 2025 |
| Arafat Day* | May 30, 2025 |
| Eid Al Adha* | May 31 – June 2, 2025 |
| Islamic New Year | June 27, 2025 |
| The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday | September 1, 2025 |
| Commemoration Day | December 1, 2025 |
| UAE National Day | December 2-3, 2025 |
Source: The National | *Note: Islamic holidays are determined according to moon sighting.
Public Holidays in 2025
The year 2025 brings a mix of significant religious and national holidays that are celebrated across various regions. Below is a list of the most anticipated public holidays for the year, so you can plan ahead.
1. New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)
The first day of the year is universally celebrated as New Year’s Day. It’s a public holiday in most countries, marking the start of the new calendar year with festivities, fireworks, and resolutions. For those in the UAE, it’s an official holiday with various events and celebrations.
2. Eid Al Fitr (March 31 – April 2, 2025)
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This significant festival is celebrated with prayers, feasts, and charity. In 2025, Eid Al Fitr will take place from March 31 to April 2. Families come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and share meals after a month of fasting.
3. Arafat Day (May 30, 2025)
Arafat Day is a key day of the Hajj pilgrimage, observed on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is a solemn occasion when Muslims gather at Mount Arafat to seek forgiveness and reflect on the teachings of Islam. In 2025, it falls on May 30.
4. Eid Al Adha (May 31 – June 2, 2025)
Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed at the conclusion of Hajj. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. The holiday lasts from May 31 to June 2, 2025, and is marked by prayers, feasts, and the act of sacrificing animals as a symbol of devotion.
5. Islamic New Year (June 27, 2025)
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2025, this date falls on June 27. While celebrations are more subdued compared to other holidays, the day marks the beginning of a new year according to the Islamic calendar.
6. The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday (September 1, 2025)
The birth of the Prophet Mohammed is a significant event in Islam, celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. In 2025, this day will fall on September 1. While the observance of the day may vary across different regions, it is often marked by prayers, religious lectures, and gatherings.
7. Commemoration Day (December 1, 2025)
Commemoration Day, observed on December 1, is dedicated to honoring the UAE’s fallen soldiers. It is a solemn occasion to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Various memorial events and ceremonies are held across the UAE, reflecting the country’s appreciation for its armed forces and their service.
8. UAE National Day (December 2-3, 2025)
Eid Al Etihad, or the UAE National Day, marks the anniversary of the unification of the Emirates in 1971. In 2025, the holiday will be celebrated from December 2 to December 3. This day is filled with pride and patriotism, with parades, cultural performances, fireworks, and various national festivities. It’s a time for UAE citizens and residents to come together and celebrate the country’s unity and achievements.