Holidays in Dubai in 2025
For those who are used to the American or European production calendar, this may seem strange — approximate dates are published before the beginning of the year and specified a few days before the holidays. The UAE government has already published a schedule for 2025, so you can start planning your holidays now.
This year Emiratis will enjoy 12+ public holidays. This depends on Ramadan — if Ramadan lasts 30 days or more the number of holidays increases to 13+.
Holiday dates in 2025 published so far are:
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Eid al-Fitr: Sunday, March 30 - Thursday, April 3
- Eid al-Adha: Thursday, June 5 - Sunday, June 8
- Islamic New Year: Thursday, June 26
- Prophet Muhammad's Birthday: Friday, September 5
- National Day: Tuesday, December 2 - Wednesday, December 3
New Year's Day
Wednesday, January 1
Dubai follows the global New Year's Eve tradition on December 31st. January 1st is a public holiday, giving people time to rest after celebrations. The city's main attractions are firework displays in multiple locations. Hotels and restaurants typically offer special gala dinners for the night.
Eid al-Fitr
Sunday, March 30 - Thursday, April 3
On the first night, a is there to watch when a new moon rises. People on the streets also help, and anyone who spots it first is supposed to call a hotline and report the sighting — this way they decide when to start celebrating the end of Ramadan. Then, it's very festive: fireworks, special restaurant menus, and most shops stay open 24 hours.
Eid al-Adha
Thursday, June 5 - Sunday, June 8
This Islamic holiday concludes the Hajj and commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim, his devotion to Allah and his willingness to sacrifice his son. The feast day begins with prayer, and people greet each other with traditional “Eid Mubarak”.
Islamic New Year
Thursday, June 26
This holiday commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622, an event that changed the history of Islam.
You'll see Emiratis reading from the Koran, praying, and talking about their history or faith. People also tend to spend time with their families and stay inside.
Prophet Muhammad's birthday
Friday, September 5
This holiday is also known as Maulid al-Nabi. It is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal (the third month of the Islamic calendar). Sermons about the life and teachings of the Prophet are preached in mosques, sweets are distributed to children, and neighbors are treated. Some Islamic countries organize processions with chants, but in Dubai the celebration is more modest and family-oriented.
National Day
Tuesday, December 2 - Wednesday, December 3
National Day is a big celebration for Dubai: they decorate buildings with national flags and light installations, there are parades, concerts and festivals, and fireworks launch into the sky come evening. But most people are here to see the light shows on the facade of the Burj Khalifa.
What if the holiday falls on a weekend?
The holiday can then be moved to the beginning or end of the following week. This law has been in effect since early 2025. According to the UAE government, it's designed to ensure that everyone can rest fully on every holiday.
What else you need to know about holidays in Dubai
- Government offices and banks are closed on holidays, but shopping centers, on the contrary, are often open late.
- Hotels are usually 30-50% more expensive. At the same time, rooms fill up quickly. Take this into account when planning your trips - it is better to book 2-3 months in advance.
- Metro stations near shopping centers and attractions extend their opening hours.
- On religious holidays, some restaurants are open only for takeaways during the day.
How to follow updates?
You can find the current holiday dates on the Dubai Government's official website or on the Dubai Now mobile app.
