UAE Public Holidays 2025: Your Guide to Long Weekends and Travel Plans

Saturday, 1 March 2025

Planning your vacations ahead of time can make a huge difference, especially with the incredible travel opportunities available from the UAE. With several public holidays scheduled throughout the year, 2025 offers plenty of chances for long weekends, extended vacations, and short getaways. Here’s a detailed guide to each holiday, along with travel suggestions and useful tips to help you make the most of your time off.

Table of Contents

• Official UAE Holidays 2025
• New Year’s Day
• Eid Al-Fitr – 4-Day Holiday
• Arafat Day & Eid Al-Adha – 4-Day Holiday
• Islamic New Year – A Perfect Short Getaway
• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) – A Long Weekend Escape
• UAE National Day – 2-Day Celebration
• Stay Connected with an Airalo eSIM
• Frequently asked questions

Official UAE Holidays 2025

Planning your year around the UAE’s public holidays in 2025 can help you maximize long weekends and extended breaks. Combining fixed Gregorian dates with Islamic holidays that follow the lunar calendar, these holidays offer excellent opportunities for both local and international travel. Here’s a comprehensive list of the official UAE holidays in 2025, including their corresponding dates in both the Gregorian and Hijri calendars, along with the number of days off.

UAE Holiday Guide 2025: Dates, Travel Tips, and Top Destinations

1.New Year’s Day

Start the year with a refreshing break on this one-day holiday, perfect for recharging and setting a positive tone for 2025. Since it falls midweek, a staycation within the UAE is an excellent option for a relaxing start. Whether you prefer mountain adventures or coastal retreats, here are two top destinations to consider:

Where to Go:

• Al Ain – The Garden City
  • A perfect getaway for families and nature lovers.
  • Explore the lush greenery of Al Ain Oasis and the historic Al Jahili Fort.
  • Visit the renowned Al Ain Zoo or drive up Jebel Hafeet for breathtaking views.
• Fujairah – A Coastal Escape
  • Ideal for a beachside retreat and a scenic road trip.
  • Relax on pristine beaches or enjoy water sports like snorkeling and diving.
  • Discover Fujairah Fort, a historic gem surrounded by stunning landscapes.

2.Eid Al-Fitr – 4-Day Holiday

Eid Al-Fitr offers a well-deserved four-day break, making it an ideal time for a short international getaway. For hassle-free travel, consider visa-free destinations like Georgia or Azerbaijan. To stay connected on the go, an eSIM from Airalo ensures seamless internet access throughout your trip.

Where to Go:

• Georgia – A Blend of Nature and Culture
  • Direct flights from the UAE and visa-free entry for UAE residents.
  • Wander through Tbilisi’s charming old town, filled with historic landmarks and vibrant cafes.
  • Escape to the picturesque countryside or hit the slopes at Gudauri’s ski resorts.
  • Stay connected with a Georgia eSIM for easy navigation and trip planning.
• Azerbaijan – A Mix of History and Modernity
  • Explore Baku’s fascinating mix of medieval and futuristic architecture.
  • Visit cultural landmarks such as the Flame Towers, Maiden Tower, and Heydar Aliyev Center.
  • Stroll along the Caspian Sea waterfront or explore the Gobustan mud volcanoes.
  • Use an Azerbaijan eSIM for smooth connectivity and easy access to travel apps.

3. Arafat Day & Eid Al-Adha – 4-Day Holiday

This four-day holiday is perfect for an extended getaway, making it one of the best travel opportunities in 2025. Since Eid Al-Adha falls during the summer, opting for a beach retreat or tropical destination is a great way to unwind. Consider exploring stunning Southeast Asian islands like Thailand and the Maldives, where eSIM options with calls and texts ensure seamless connectivity.

Where to Go:

• Thailand – A Mix of Adventure and Relaxation
  • Experience the vibrant energy of Bangkok, filled with cultural landmarks and street markets.
  • Unwind on the serene beaches of Phuket and Krabi, perfect for sunbathing and water activities.
  • Discover lush jungles, ancient temples, and world-class Thai cuisine.
  • Stay connected effortlessly with a Thailand eSIM, offering data, calls, and texts for easy navigation.
• Maldives – The Ultimate Tropical Escape
  • Indulge in luxury with overwater villas and stunning white-sand beaches.
  • Enjoy world-class snorkeling, diving, and breathtaking marine life.
  • Experience private island resorts, sunset cruises, and spa retreats for total relaxation.
  • A Maldives eSIM ensures smooth internet access, so you can enjoy a stress-free vacation.

4. Islamic New Year – A Perfect Short Getaway

With a one-day holiday that creates a long weekend, Islamic New Year is a great opportunity for a quick local adventure or a short international trip without long travel times. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience in a neighboring country or a relaxing staycation within the UAE, there are plenty of options to make the most of this break.

Where to Go:

• Oman – A Scenic Escape
  • Just a short drive from the UAE, Oman offers breathtaking natural landscapes.
  • Explore Musandam’s fjord-like coastline with a dhow cruise or go snorkeling.
  • Take a weekend trip to Nizwa to visit its historic fort and bustling souq.
• Staycation in the UAE – Luxury & Relaxation
  • Enjoy summer discounts at luxury resorts in Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman.
  • Relax at beachside retreats with family-friendly activities and spa experiences.
• Hatta – Nature & Adventure
  • Located a short drive from Dubai, Hatta is a perfect outdoor getaway.
  • Kayak in the stunning Hatta Dam or explore Hatta Wadi Hub for hiking and mountain biking.
  • Enjoy the scenic mountain views and experience eco-friendly stays.
• Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – Family Fun & Thrill Rides
  • A top destination for adventure seekers and families.
  • Experience world-class attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World.
  • Relax at Yas Beach or explore Yas Mall for shopping and entertainment.

5. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) – A Long Weekend Escape

Falling on a Thursday, this holiday creates a long weekend—perfect for a short international getaway. Consider visa-free destinations like Seychelles or opt for a quick flight to Sri Lanka, which offers an easy e-visa process.

Where to Go:

• Jordan – History & Natural Wonders
  • Explore the ancient city of Petra and float in the healing waters of the Dead Sea.
  • A short flight from the UAE with an eSIM for seamless navigation and connectivity.
• Sri Lanka – A Diverse Adventure
  • Enjoy lush tea plantations, wildlife safaris, and picturesque beaches.
  • Stay connected with an eSIM for easy navigation and travel tips.
• Seychelles – A Tropical Paradise
  • Relax on pristine beaches, swim in turquoise waters, and explore lush islands.
  • An eSIM ensures connectivity for island-hopping and seamless travel.

6. UAE National Day – 2-Day Celebration

With two days off, UAE National Day is the perfect time to enjoy local festivities or take a short international trip. Whether you celebrate in the UAE or explore nearby destinations, there are plenty of exciting options.

Where to Go:

• Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah – Festive Celebrations
  • Enjoy parades, fireworks, and cultural performances across the emirates.
  • Watch dazzling light shows at Burj Khalifa or join the festivities along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche.
• Egypt – A Journey Through History
  • Discover the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and Cairo’s rich heritage.
  • Take a scenic Nile cruise and explore vibrant bazaars.
  • Stay connected with an Egypt eSIM for easy navigation.
• Saudi Arabia – Heritage & Adventure
  • Visit Riyadh’s cultural landmarks or explore Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district.
  • Experience desert safaris, vibrant souqs, and a rapidly growing tourism scene.
  • Get a Saudi Arabia eSIM for hassle-free travel and real-time updates.

Stay Connected with an Airalo eSIM

Wherever you travel, an Airalo eSIM ensures seamless connectivity. With access to affordable eSIMs in 200+ countries, including the UAE, staying online has never been easier.

Why Choose Airalo?

• Instantly connect to a mobile network upon arrival.
• Flexible local, regional, and global data plans to suit your needs.
• No need to search for a local SIM vendor.
• Avoid high roaming charges with budget-friendly options.
• Store multiple eSIMs on your device for hassle-free switching.
• Easily top up data anytime via the Airalo app.

Traveling to Yas Island? Stay connected with a UAE eSIM for a smooth and uninterrupted experience.

Make the most of UAE’s 2025 public holidays with well-planned getaways. Whether you prefer local adventures or international escapes, seamless connectivity with an Airalo eSIM ensures a stress-free experience. Start planning now for unforgettable trips!