Your Complete Guide to 2025 Public Holidays
Upcoming Long Weekends UAE 2025 .In the dynamic lifestyle of the United Arab Emirates, long weekends are more than just a break—they are a lifeline for rest, wellness, and work-life balance. With the UAE Cabinet officially announcing 12 public holidays for 2025, residents and visitors alike have several opportunities to recharge and enjoy extended time off. These holidays, based largely on lunar calendar calculations, mean that dates may shift slightly due to moon sightings. Still, the flexibility opens the door to multiple long weekends throughout the year.
Whether you live in Dubai Marina or plan to invest in Downtown Dubai, having a calendar of UAE public holidays is key to making the most of your year—whether for travel, relaxation, or property scouting. Here’s everything you need to know about the next upcoming holiday and the rest of 2025’s long weekend schedule.
When Is the Next Public Holiday in the UAE?
The next official day off in the UAE is to mark Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH), which falls during Rabi Al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The exact date is determined by moon sightings, but the holiday is expected to be observed on either:
- Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Offering a long weekend starting Thursday through Saturday.
- Friday, September 5, 2025 – Creating a natural three-day weekend from Friday to Sunday.
Regardless of the final confirmation, this break provides an excellent chance to unwind, whether by enjoying a serene retreat in Palm Jumeirah or exploring property options in MBR City.
What’s New in UAE Holiday Policies?
In a welcome move to enhance work-life balance, the UAE has implemented a new rule starting in 2025: if a public holiday falls on a weekend, it can now be shifted to the start of the following workweek. This ensures that residents don’t lose out on valuable downtime due to calendar overlaps.
However, this adjustment does not apply to Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, as these follow a distinct religious schedule. Still, this change shows the UAE’s growing focus on resident well-being, especially as the nation continues to attract global talent through real estate development in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle and Business Bay.
Future Long Weekends in 2025
Besides the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, the end of the year promises another major break. UAE National Day, celebrated on December 2 and 3, will fall on Tuesday and Wednesday in 2025. That means:
- December 2–3 (Tuesday–Wednesday) – Two-day national holiday.
With the weekend just two days away, it’s easy to turn this into a five-day mini vacation by taking off December 4 and 5. Residents could use this opportunity for local staycations, maybe in a waterfront residence in Dubai Hills Estate, or by booking property viewings in up-and-coming developments such as Al Furjan.
Why Long Weekends Are More Than Just Time Off
Scientific research consistently shows that regular breaks reduce stress, enhance productivity, and improve mental clarity. In fast-paced cities like Dubai, these benefits become even more important. A well-spent long weekend can spark creativity, enhance your focus, and even help in making big life decisions—like buying your first home from developers such as Emaar or DAMAC.
Whether you’re planning a wellness retreat, scheduling time for family, or conducting property tours, long weekends can help you realign priorities and explore investment opportunities with developers like Deyaar, Azizi, Ellington, or Danube.
Stay Informed, Plan Ahead
To ensure you make the most of each break, it’s important to track moon sightings and official announcements via the UAE government. Planning early not only helps you organize your time but can also allow you to explore real estate deals that align with your personal and financial goals.
Whether you’re spending your weekend on a beach in JBR or viewing homes in developments by Nakheel, UAE’s long weekends offer both a chance to unwind and a window of opportunity for growth.
Conclusion
The UAE’s long weekends in 2025 are more than just red-letter days on a calendar—they’re strategic opportunities to invest in yourself, your wellness, and even your future property goals. With new flexible holiday laws and plenty of exciting locations to explore, the upcoming year is shaping up to be rewarding both personally and professionally.
Keep an eye on official announcements and start planning now—because the next perfect weekend could be just around the corner.
