Post by : Bianca Qureshi
After the recent long weekend marking the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH), UAE residents now have something else to look forward to before the year ends. The next public holiday in the UAE is the celebrated National Day, which is also the final official holiday of 2025.
For those living in Dubai, there will be a short wait of about three months, but this upcoming break promises to be enjoyable and potentially longer than the usual two days.
When is the UAE National Day 2025?
The UAE National Day is celebrated every year to mark the foundation of the United Arab Emirates. In 2025, National Day will fall on Tuesday, December 2. Traditionally, this holiday is observed for two days, including December 2 and December 3. This places the break in the middle of the first week of December, giving residents a midweek pause from work and school.
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Flexibility in UAE Public Holidays
UAE public holiday law provides some flexibility in how holidays are observed. While the official days off for National Day are December 2 and December 3, the law allows authorities to shift public holidays to create longer weekends. This means that it is possible for the National Day break to be moved or extended, offering residents an opportunity to enjoy more days off.
A recent change in 2025 adjusted the dates for Islamic New Year and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH), moving them to the Friday closest to each date. This adjustment created three-day long weekends, which was highly appreciated by residents.
If a similar adjustment is applied to National Day, the holiday could either shift or extend, giving Dubai residents even more time to celebrate.
How the Holiday Could Shift or Extend
Currently, the UAE National Day holiday is officially two days, December 2 and 3. However, there are two possible scenarios for 2025:
Holiday Shift:
If the holiday is shifted to create a long weekend, then Monday, December 1, may be observed as a day off instead of Wednesday, December 3. This would give residents a four-day long weekend, running from December 1 to December 4.
Holiday Extension:
If authorities decide to extend the holiday, then Monday, December 1 would be added in addition to the existing December 2 and December 3 holidays. This scenario could lead to a five-day long weekend, from December 1 to December 5.
While the addition of an extra day is less common, the law does allow local governments to declare additional public holidays, meaning this possibility cannot be entirely ruled out.
National Day Celebrations in the UAE
National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, is celebrated across the country with a variety of events. One of the most popular celebrations includes the UAE Flag Garden, where residents and tourists gather to witness colorful displays of the UAE flag and other patriotic activities. Streets and public places are decorated with lights, flags, and banners, and special events are organized to honor the country’s history and achievements.
This day is not only a public holiday but also a time for residents to reflect on the unity and progress of the UAE since its founding. Families, friends, and communities come together to celebrate, and many people take advantage of the long weekend to travel or spend quality time with loved ones.
Public Holidays in 2026
For those who like to plan ahead, UAE public holidays for 2026 are already being predicted. The first public holiday of the year will be on January 1, marking the start of the new year. Additionally, Eid Al Adha is expected to provide a six-day holiday, making it one of the longest breaks of the year.
Knowing the dates in advance helps residents plan vacations, family gatherings, or trips, ensuring they can make the most of their time off.
Next UAE public holiday: National Day
Dates: Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Potential long weekend: Possible shift or extension to create a 4- or 5-day break
Celebrations: UAE Flag Garden, events across Dubai, decorations, and family gatherings
Legal flexibility: Public holiday law allows shifting or adding days to create longer weekends
Residents of Dubai and the UAE can look forward to the National Day holiday, which marks the foundation of the country and provides an opportunity to celebrate with family, friends, and the wider community. Whether the holiday remains as a two-day break or becomes a longer weekend, it is sure to be a time of joy and celebration across the UAE.
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