Eid Al Etihad 2025: Will National Day become a five-day weekend in UAE?
Residents ready for extended celebrations across all emirates
DUBAI – With the UAE’s final public holiday of 2025 approaching, residents are asking a familiar question: will Eid Al Etihad 2025 result in a four-day or five-day weekend?
The holiday marks the country’s National Day and is observed on 1-2 December each year. This year, the UAE has confirmed the dates for the public sector, offering clear insight into what the holiday means for the wider population.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced that Monday and Tuesday, 1-2 December 2025, will be official holidays for ministries and federal entities. Combined with the preceding Saturday and Sunday weekend, federal employees will enjoy a four-day break, returning to work on Wednesday, 3 December.
Holiday framework
Under Cabinet Resolution No. (27) of 2024, the UAE Cabinet holds the authority to transfer non-Eid public holidays to the start or end of the week. The provision enables the creation of longer weekends when certain holidays fall midweek. However, Eid holidays cannot be moved under this framework.
Although Eid Al Etihad traditionally falls on 2nd December, the Cabinet may shift dates to enhance holiday continuity. This year, the holiday has been positioned on Monday and Tuesday, creating a seamless long weekend. The private sector, which follows the unified holiday calendar ensuring equal entitlements, is expected to receive identical dates.
Four or five days?
For 2025, residents will receive a four-day break in line with the federal announcement. With the weekend preceding the holiday, the break spans Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Work will resume nationwide on Wednesday, 3 December.
A five-day break would only occur if the holiday extended to Wednesday or if an additional day were declared by local authorities for specific purposes. While the Cabinet has the authority to adjust some holidays, no such extension has been announced for Eid Al Etihad 2025.
In previous years, the holiday has at times fallen midweek or required adjustment. In 2024, the public holiday was observed on Monday and Tuesday, 2-3 December, resulting in a four-day break when combined with the weekend.
The UAE maintains a coordinated approach to public holidays, ensuring predictability for employers and employees. Islamic holidays vary annually due to the Hijri calendar and official moon sightings, while fixed Gregorian holidays are determined by calendar dates and Cabinet resolutions.
Eid Al Etihad celebrations
Across the Emirates, preparations for the 54th Eid Al Etihad continue at pace. Sharjah will host an extensive celebration programme from 19th November to 2nd December, featuring heritage exhibitions, performances and community events. Dubai and Abu Dhabi will stage concerts, parades and cultural showcases, along with fireworks planned between 27th November and 3rd December.
Families can expect packed schedules in malls, public squares and waterfront destinations, offering entertainment ranging from music and theatre to culinary events and art installations.
The confirmed dates provide clarity for travel planning, family gatherings and holiday activities. As this is the final UAE public holiday of the year, many residents are expected to take advantage of the long weekend for domestic trips or leisure experiences.