The final public holiday of 2025 is approaching fast. UAE residents have just one official long weekend remaining this year—the 54th Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day). Federal government employees already know their dates, but what about the private sector?
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming break.
When Is UAE National Day 2025?
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed that Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2, 2025 are official holidays for federal government bodies. This creates a four-day break when combined with the Saturday-Sunday weekend.
Federal employees return to work on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Will Private Sector Get the Same Dates?
The announcement currently applies only to federal government workers. However, following historical patterns, private sector employees can expect a similar notification soon.
Last year, both sectors received identical holiday arrangements. The public holiday fell on Monday, December 2, and Tuesday, December 3, 2024, creating another four-day weekend.
This consistency suggests private sector companies will likely receive the same December 1-2 dates for 2025, though official confirmation remains pending.
How Cabinet Resolution Determines Holidays
Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 governs UAE public holiday policy. Under this framework, Eid Al Etihad follows fixed dates on the Gregorian calendar.
The resolution officially designates Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3 as National Day holidays. This differs from Islamic holidays, which shift annually based on lunar calendar observations.
The Cabinet holds authority to move non-Eid public holidays to create long weekends. However, this flexibility hasn’t applied to National Day in recent years, which consistently falls on its designated dates.
Understanding Your Holiday Rights
UAE labour law provides clear protections for private sector employees during public holidays. If your employer requires you to work on December 1-2, you’re entitled to either a replacement day off or your regular wages plus a 50% basic salary bonus.
These rights apply universally across all job categories and salary levels under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Some sectors—including healthcare, hospitality, retail, and emergency services—require continuous operation during holidays. Workers in these industries maintain identical compensation rights but face different scheduling arrangements.
How National Day Affects Annual Leave
Many employees wonder whether public holidays impact their annual leave calculations. According to UAE labour regulations, official holidays falling within your annual leave period become part of your leave allocation.
This means if you take annual leave from November 29 to December 5, 2025, the December 1-2 public holidays count against your 30-day annual entitlement.
However, you cannot be forced to use annual leave for public holidays when you’re working normally. The holidays exist as separate entitlements from your 30 days of annual leave.
Planning Extended Time Off
Strategic annual leave planning can extend the National Day break significantly. Adding just three days of annual leave before the weekend (Wednesday, November 26 to Friday, November 28) creates a nine-day break from November 26 to December 3.
Alternatively, taking leave after the holiday (Wednesday, December 3 to Friday, December 5) extends the break in the opposite direction.
For comprehensive strategies on maximising your time off, see our guide on transforming UAE public holidays into extended breaks.
What Makes Eid Al Etihad Special?
The 54th UAE National Day commemorates the union of the seven emirates on December 2, 1971. The official name “Eid Al Etihad” reflects the foundational principles of unity that created the UAE under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the other founding fathers.
The celebrations officially adopted the name Eid Al Etihad in 2024, reinforcing the significance of this national milestone.
Festivities typically include fireworks displays, cultural events, parades, and special promotions across the Emirates. Many organisations offer extended celebrations throughout late November and early December.
Dual Calendar System Explained
The UAE uses two calendar systems for determining public holidays. Understanding this helps predict future holiday dates.
Gregorian calendar holidays—including New Year’s Day (January 1) and National Day (December 2-3)—maintain fixed dates every year. These can be planned far in advance without waiting for official confirmations.
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar, which contains 354-355 days compared to 365-366 days in the Gregorian calendar. This causes Islamic dates to shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each year.
Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday all require moon sighting confirmations from UAE authorities, typically announced 24-48 hours before each holiday.
What Happens After National Day?
Eid Al Etihad marks the final public holiday of 2025. No additional holidays follow until New Year’s Day 2026 on Wednesday, January 1.
Looking ahead to 2026, UAE residents can expect at least 12 public holidays, including both fixed Gregorian dates and Islamic calendar observances.
The 2026 National Day falls on Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3, potentially creating another long weekend opportunity depending on how employers handle the Friday weekend.
Private Sector Announcement Timeline
Based on historical patterns, private sector holiday announcements typically come 7-10 days before the actual holiday. Expect official confirmation for private companies by mid-to-late November 2025.
Government entities usually announce private sector holidays through official channels including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and UAE Cabinet communications.
Companies then communicate the confirmed dates to their employees through internal HR channels.
Key Takeaway
Federal government employees will enjoy a four-day break from Saturday, November 29 to Tuesday, December 2, 2025, for the 54th UAE National Day. Private sector workers can expect similar arrangements, with official confirmation anticipated in mid-November. This represents the final public holiday of 2025, with work resuming Wednesday, December 3 before the next break on New Year’s Day 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer make me work on National Day?
Yes, employers can require certain employees to work during UAE National Day, particularly in essential services like healthcare, hospitality, retail, and emergency services. However, labour law mandates compensation through either a replacement day off or regular wages plus 50% basic salary bonus for private sector workers.
Do public holidays count against my annual leave?
Public holidays only count against annual leave if they fall within a period you’ve already requested off. If you’re working normally, the December 1-2 National Day holidays are separate from your 30-day annual leave entitlement and don’t reduce your allocation.
What if National Day falls on a weekend?
Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 gives the UAE Cabinet authority to shift non-Eid public holidays to create long weekends. However, National Day consistently falls on December 2-3, which hasn’t required shifting in recent years. If future dates coincide with weekends, authorities would announce any adjustments.
Will schools close for National Day?
Yes, both public and private schools typically close for UAE National Day holidays. Exact dates follow the government announcement for the education sector, which usually aligns with federal government holidays.
Can I carry forward unused leave to 2026?
Under UAE labour law, employees can carry forward up to 15 days of unused annual leave to the following year with employer approval. Alternatively, employers may provide cash compensation for unused leave days.
How early should I request leave around National Day?
Employers must notify employees of approved leave dates at least one month in advance. If you’re planning to take annual leave before or after National Day to create an extended break, submit your request 6-8 weeks ahead to allow for planning and approval.
Do part-time workers get National Day off?
Yes, public holiday rights apply universally across all private sector employees regardless of full-time or part-time status. Part-time workers required to work during the holiday receive the same compensation protections as full-time staff.
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