Eid Al Etihad 2025: UAE confirms long weekend for private sector
Paid leave set for Monday and Tuesday nationwide
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced paid holidays for private sector employees in celebration of Eid Al Etihad 2025, confirming a four-day break across the country.
The holiday will fall on Monday and Tuesday, 1-2 December 2025, aligning with the public sector schedule and ensuring a unified long weekend for the nation’s workforce. Regular working hours will resume on Wednesday, 3rd December.
The decision follows the UAE’s unified holiday policy, which guarantees equal public holiday entitlements for private and public sector employees. The policy aims to promote balanced work schedules, enhance employee well-being and ensure consistent observance of national occasions.
Eid Al Etihad holiday
This year’s holiday schedule reflects the authority granted under Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024, introduced at the start of the year. The resolution allows certain holidays, excluding Eid holidays, to be moved to the beginning or end of the week if they fall midweek. Although an earlier notice had initially set 2-3 December as the holiday period, this year’s dates were officially shifted to 1-2 December following Cabinet approval.
The move results in an uninterrupted four-day weekend for private sector employees, combining the two paid holiday days with the regular Saturday-Sunday weekend. Employers across industries are expected to adjust schedules accordingly, ensuring compliance with the nationwide holiday directive.
National Day celebrations
Eid Al Etihad marks the UAE’s National Day and commemorates the historic unification of the seven emirates on 2nd December 1971. The occasion brings communities together in celebrations that highlight heritage, modern achievements and the country’s shared identity.
Across the emirates, major events are being prepared to welcome residents and visitors. In Dubai, Festival Bay will host a live performance by Emirati superstar Balqees, while theatres and cultural venues present comedy shows, musical showcases and community performances. Public spaces will feature installations, light displays and themed attractions throughout the holiday week.
As part of the celebrations, families can attend parades, explore heritage exhibitions and enjoy culinary experiences that spotlight regional flavours. Fireworks will illuminate city skylines between 27th November and 3rd December, drawing large crowds to waterfront destinations and entertainment districts.
In Abu Dhabi, visitors can experience cultural programmes at key landmarks, including parades and live performances designed to highlight Emirati traditions. Other emirates will host family-friendly events, community gatherings and interactive workshops celebrating the nation’s diverse culture.
The announcement signals one of the final public holidays of the year for private sector workers and is expected to boost domestic tourism. Hotels, restaurants and leisure destinations are preparing for an increase in demand as families plan staycations and short trips within the UAE.
The unified holiday system ensures that private sector employees receive the same number of public holidays as government employees, aligning with broader national objectives to support employee welfare and quality of life.
Businesses have already begun making operational adjustments ahead of the long break, particularly in industries that rely on continuous operations. Many employers will implement rotating shifts or reduced staffing levels during the holiday period while maintaining essential services.