The UAE offers incredible opportunities to maximize your holidays in 2025. With proper planning, you can enjoy up to 42 days off using just 14 days of annual leave. Here's how you can strategically plan your time off:

Annual Leave and Public Holidays

According to the UAE Labour Law, all employees are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service. Additionally, public holidays are granted as paid days off. Starting in 2025, if a public holiday falls on a weekend, it can be moved to a weekday.

UAE Public Holidays Calendar for 2025

HolidayDateDays Off Using Annual Leave
New YearJanuary 12 days for 5 days off
Eid Al FitrMarch 30 - April 22-3 days for 9 days off
Arafat Day & Eid Al AdhaJune 5-83 days for 9 days off
Islamic New YearJune 26-272 days for 5 days off
Prophet Muhammad’s BirthdaySeptember 52 days for 5 days off
UAE National DayDecember 2-33 days for 9 days off

How to Plan Each Holiday

1. New Year’s Break (5 Days Off)

  • Public Holiday: Wednesday, January 1.
  • Book Leave: Thursday, January 2 and Friday, January 3.
  • Total Days Off: 5 (including the weekend).

2. Eid Al Fitr (9 Days Off)

  • Public Holiday: March 30 – April 2 (depending on moon sightings).
  • Book Leave: April 2-4 or April 3-4 (depending on the final holiday date).
  • Total Days Off: 9 days.

Expert Insight:“Public holidays for Eid depend on the Islamic calendar and moon sightings, so always double-check closer to the date.”Gulf News

3. Arafat Day & Eid Al Adha (9 Days Off)

  • Public Holiday: June 5-8.
  • Book Leave: June 2-4.
  • Total Days Off: 9 days.

4. Islamic New Year (5 Days Off)

  • Public Holiday: June 26 (subject to moon sighting).
  • Book Leave: June 27 and June 30.
  • Total Days Off: 5 days.

5. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (5 Days Off)

  • Public Holiday: September 5.
  • Book Leave: September 4 and September 8.
  • Total Days Off: 5 days.

6. UAE National Day (9 Days Off)

  • Public Holiday: December 2-3.
  • Book Leave: December 1, December 4, and December 5.
  • Total Days Off: 9 days.

Maximize Your Leave for Work-Life Balance

By planning your holidays early, you can make the most of your leave while still complying with UAE labor laws. For official updates, refer to the UAE Government Portal.

“Smart holiday planning is essential for better work-life balance and overall productivity.”Khaleej Times


How Affinitas DMCC Can Help

At Affinitas DMCC, we specialize in providing expert business consultancy services, ensuring companies remain compliant with evolving UAE labor laws. Our services include:

Contact Affinitas DMCC today to ensure your business stays ahead of regulatory changes and prioritizes employee well-being.