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How many days off will UAE private sector employees get for National Day 2025? The answer is four consecutive days, marking one of the year’s final long weekends.

The UAE has announced a four-day break for private sector employees to mark Eid Al Etihad celebrations. December 1 and 2—Monday and Tuesday—have been declared paid holidays for private sector employees, the UAE government announced Monday. When combined with the preceding Saturday and Sunday weekend, residents will enjoy an extended four-day break to commemorate the nation’s 54th National Day.

This announcement comes under a Cabinet resolution that took effect on January 1, 2025, allowing certain public holidays in the UAE to be transferred to the start or end of the week if they fall on weekdays. Whilst an earlier announcement had set Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3, as paid holidays for Eid Al Etihad, this year the holidays have been moved to Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2, creating a more convenient long weekend for UAE residents.

The occasion commemorates the historic moment on December 2, 1971, when the seven emirates came together to form the UAE under the leadership of the founding fathers.

UAE National Day Holiday Dates 2025

The official paid holidays for private sector employees fall on:

• Monday, December 1, 2025: First paid holiday
• Tuesday, December 2, 2025: Second paid holiday and UAE National Day

Combined with the regular weekend, the complete break spans:

• Saturday, November 29: Regular weekend
• Sunday, November 30: Regular weekend
• Monday, December 1: Paid holiday
• Tuesday, December 2: Paid holiday and National Day

Ministries and federal entities will resume regular working hours on Wednesday, December 3. This structure provides UAE residents with four consecutive days to participate in National Day celebrations, spend time with family, and enjoy the festivities planned across the Emirates.

For residents planning their year, understanding the complete UAE public holidays calendar for 2026 helps maximise time off throughout the year.

New Cabinet Resolution Explained

The Cabinet resolution that enables holiday transfers represents a significant shift in UAE’s public holiday management. This resolution, which became effective January 1, 2025, grants flexibility to move certain holidays to week beginnings or endings, maximising long weekend opportunities for residents.

Key points about the resolution:

Applicable holidays: The policy covers New Year’s Day and National Day when they fall mid-week. It does not apply to Eid holidays, which maintain their timing based on Islamic calendar observations.

Cabinet discretion: Holiday transfers only occur when the Cabinet issues a specific decision. This prevents automatic changes and allows authorities to consider various factors before announcing modifications.

Original announcement: Earlier in the year, authorities announced National Day holidays as December 2-3. The recent decision to move these to December 1-2 demonstrates the policy in action, shifting the break to create the long weekend.

Unified policy: Under the UAE’s unified holiday policy, both public and private sector employees receive equal numbers of breaks throughout the year. This alignment eliminates previous discrepancies between sectors.

The resolution reflects the UAE’s commitment to work-life balance whilst maintaining productivity. By creating longer breaks, employees can travel, rest, and participate fully in national celebrations without using annual leave days.

Private Sector Holiday Rights and Compensation

Private sector employees enjoy specific protections under UAE labour law regarding public holidays. Understanding these rights helps workers know what they’re entitled to during National Day and other official holidays.

Paid holiday entitlement: All private sector employees receive full pay for December 1 and 2, regardless of whether they work these days. The paid holiday applies universally across salary levels, job types, and employee categories.

Working on holidays: If your employer requires you to work during National Day holidays, you’re entitled to compensation under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Employees working on official holidays must receive one of two options:

• Alternative day off: Receive another day off in lieu of the holiday worked, scheduled at a mutually agreed time
• Financial compensation: Receive regular wages plus a minimum 50% bonus calculated on basic salary for each holiday worked

Equal treatment: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announces private sector holidays simultaneously with public sector dates. This unified approach, implemented in recent years, guarantees both sectors receive identical official holidays.

For comprehensive information about UAE labour law and holiday work compensation, private sector employees should familiarise themselves with their full rights under current legislation.

What Is Eid Al Etihad?

Eid Al Etihad, the official name for UAE National Day celebrations, brings together families and communities across generations. The occasion honours a resilient past, embraces a thriving present, and shapes a promising future through national unity.

The historic significance centres on December 2, 1971, when the seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah—united to form the United Arab Emirates. This unification occurred under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the founding fathers whose legacy continues shaping the nation today.

The official designation as “Eid Al Etihad” reinforces the foundational principles of unity that led to the Emirates’ formation. The name emphasises the celebration’s significance as a national festival bringing together Emiratis and residents from across the world.

Themes of the celebration include:

Heritage and tradition: Showcasing Emirati culture through traditional performances, cultural exhibitions, and heritage displays National unity: Emphasising the strength found in the union of seven emirates under one flag Progress and innovation: Celebrating the UAE’s remarkable development from desert settlements to global metropolis Community connection: Bringing together diverse residents who call the UAE home

The four-day break provides ample time for families to participate in organised events, explore cultural attractions, and reflect on the nation’s journey from its founding to its current status as a leading global hub.

Eid Al Etihad Celebrations Across UAE

The 54th National Day celebrations transform the Emirates into a festival of culture, entertainment, and national pride. Events span across all seven emirates, offering something for every age and interest.

Dubai Celebrations

Dubai shines particularly bright during Eid Al Etihad, with diverse events transforming the city’s most-loved destinations throughout the long weekend.

Live concerts: Festival Bay hosts Emirati superstar Balqees performing live, whilst other venues feature local and international artists celebrating UAE culture through music.

Cultural showcases: Heritage parades wind through Dubai’s streets, showcasing traditional Emirati dress, music, and customs. Cultural centres offer workshops teaching traditional crafts, calligraphy, and heritage skills.

Family entertainment: Theme parks and entertainment venues offer special National Day programmes. Global Village features themed pavilions celebrating UAE culture alongside its international offerings.

Comedy shows and theatre: Must-see productions at Dubai’s entertainment venues offer family-friendly shows throughout the holiday period.

Sporting events: Thrilling sporting action takes place across Dubai’s stadiums and sports facilities, from football matches to traditional competitions.

Spectacular fireworks: The long weekend concludes with fireworks displays lighting up Dubai’s skyline. Popular viewing spots include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and family-designated beaches where Dubai Municipality arranges special celebrations.

Culinary experiences: Restaurants across Dubai offer special National Day menus featuring Emirati cuisine alongside diverse international options, many with National Day discounts and promotions.

Abu Dhabi and Other Emirates

Beyond Dubai, celebrations span the Emirates with each offering distinctive experiences:

Abu Dhabi hosts grand celebrations along the Corniche and at major cultural institutions, featuring traditional performances and modern entertainment.

Sharjah emphasises cultural heritage through museum exhibitions, traditional markets, and heritage site celebrations showcasing the emirate’s rich history.

The Northern Emirates—Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah—organise community festivals featuring local traditions, performances, and family-friendly activities in public spaces.

Planning Your National Day Long Weekend

The four-day break offers excellent opportunities for both travel and local celebration. Strategic planning maximises enjoyment of this final long weekend of the year.

Travel Considerations

Many UAE residents use National Day holidays for short international trips to nearby destinations. Popular choices include:

• Regional destinations: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar offer close proximity for weekend getaways
• European cities: Direct flights connect UAE to numerous European destinations for extended city breaks
• Asian beaches: Thailand, Maldives, and Sri Lanka provide tropical escapes

Booking advice: National Day represents peak travel season. Book flights and accommodation well in advance to secure better rates. Many airlines and hotels announce special promotions for the holiday period.

Border considerations: Expect increased traffic at UAE borders, particularly the Oman border crossings. Plan extra travel time if driving to neighbouring countries.

Local Activities

Staying in the UAE offers rich experiences:

Cultural events: Attend the numerous free events organised across emirates, from traditional performances to modern concerts.

Shopping opportunities: Many malls and retail destinations offer National Day sales and promotions. Dubai’s shopping festivals often align with holiday celebrations.

Beach and outdoor activities: December weather provides perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Public beaches, parks, and outdoor venues host special National Day programmes.

Family entertainment: Theme parks, entertainment venues, and cultural centres organise special four-day programmes featuring activities for all ages.

Dining experiences: Restaurants showcase special National Day menus and many offer holiday discounts. Reservations are recommended for popular venues.

Annual Leave Strategies

For employees looking to extend their break beyond four days, strategic annual leave placement can create longer holidays. Taking just three annual leave days (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, December 3-5) extends the break to a full week when combined with the following weekend.

Understanding how to maximise UAE public holidays through smart leave planning helps employees get the most value from their annual leave allocation throughout the year.

Impact on Business and Services

The four-day holiday affects various services and business operations across the UAE.

Government services: Federal ministries and entities remain closed Monday and Tuesday, resuming Wednesday, December 3. Essential government services continue operating with reduced hours or skeleton staff.

Banking: Most banks observe the holiday, though ATMs remain accessible. Online and mobile banking services continue operating throughout the break.

Schools: Educational institutions typically extend the break, aligning with the holiday schedule. Many schools close for the entire week, coordinating with the preceding weekend.

Retail and hospitality: Shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues remain open throughout the holiday, often with extended hours and special promotions.

Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics maintain emergency services. Many private clinics operate with reduced hours or appointment-only schedules.

Transportation: Public transport continues operating, though schedules may be adjusted. Roads experience increased traffic, particularly near popular celebration venues and tourist attractions.

Businesses requiring employees to work during the holiday must comply with UAE labour law provisions regarding holiday compensation.

Comparing UAE Public Holidays 2025

National Day marks the final major public holiday of 2025. Throughout the year, UAE residents enjoyed several significant breaks:

• New Year’s Day: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday) – single day paid holiday
• Eid Al Fitr: March 30-April 2, 2025 – up to five days depending on moon sighting
• Eid Al Adha: June 5-8, 2025 – four-day break
• Islamic New Year: Date determined by moon sighting
• Prophet’s Birthday: September 5, 2025 – three-day weekend
• National Day: December 1-2, 2025 – four-day weekend

The strategic placement of holidays throughout the year, combined with the new Cabinet resolution enabling holiday transfers, provides UAE residents with regular breaks whilst maintaining consistent business operations.

Common Questions About National Day Holidays

Do private sector employees get the same holidays as government workers?

Yes. Under the unified holiday policy, both public and private sector employees receive identical official holidays. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announces private sector holidays simultaneously with public sector dates.

What if my employer asks me to work on National Day?

You’re entitled to compensation under UAE labour law. You must receive either an alternative day off at a mutually agreed time or your regular wages plus a minimum 50% bonus on basic salary for each holiday worked.

Can I combine National Day holidays with annual leave?

Yes. Many employees take annual leave on December 3-5 to extend their break to a full week. Check your company’s leave policy regarding combining public holidays with annual leave, as some organisations have specific rules about this.

Will schools be closed for the entire week?

Most schools align their breaks with National Day holidays, typically closing for the full week. Check with your specific school for their calendar, as policies vary between institutions.

Are shops and malls open during National Day?

Yes. Retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues typically remain open throughout the National Day holiday period, often with extended hours and special promotions.

Do the holiday dates change each year?

National Day always falls on December 2, but the actual holiday dates can shift under the Cabinet resolution. The policy allows holidays to be moved to week beginnings or endings to create longer breaks, as demonstrated by this year’s shift to December 1-2.

What happens if I’m scheduled for annual leave during National Day?

Public holidays don’t count as annual leave. If National Day falls during your annual leave period, those days are considered public holidays, not annual leave days. However, company policies may vary, so review your employment contract.

Making the Most of Your Four-Day Break

The National Day long weekend provides valuable opportunities for rest, celebration, and connection. Whether attending official celebrations, travelling abroad, or simply spending time with family, the four consecutive days offer flexibility for diverse plans.

For working professionals in the UAE, understanding holiday entitlements and rights supports better planning and work-life balance. The unified holiday policy guarantees equal treatment across sectors, whilst labour law protections provide security for employees required to work during holidays.

As the UAE celebrates its 54th National Day, Eid Al Etihad brings together communities across the nation in shared appreciation for the country’s remarkable journey and promising future. The four-day break provides the perfect opportunity to participate in this national celebration whilst enjoying quality time away from work.

Further Reading

• UAE Public Holidays 2026: 12 Days Off & Long Weekend Guide
• UAE Holidays 2025: Transform 13 Days into 45 Days Off with Smart Planning
• UAE Labour Law: What Happens When Leave Days Meet Official Holidays?
• Dubai’s Grand National Celebrations: Flag Day to UAE National Day Events
• Global Village Dubai Season 29: Timings, Attractions & What’s New