As the festive season approaches, many expatriates in the UAE are taking advantage of the New Year public holiday to extend their time off and celebrate Christmas with their families. The UAE government has declared January 1, 2025, as a public holiday for both private and government sector employees, prompting many to align their annual leave around this date.
John Andrew, an Australian accountant residing in the UAE for seven years, is among those planning extended holidays. He will travel home on December 23 and return on January 3. “Christmas is a tradition I cherish,” he shared. “Being away from home makes reuniting with my family even more special. I plan my leave early to maximise long weekends and public holidays.”
Similarly, David Lee, an American expat working in the tech industry, has taken four days off starting December 24 to enjoy a meaningful holiday with his family. “One day is not enough for Christmas celebrations,” he explained. “The holidays are about creating lasting memories and reflecting on the year. Taking extra time off helps prioritize family during this season.”
Spanish expatriate Maria Gonzalez has opted for a longer break, taking two weeks off to fully immerse herself in Christmas and New Year festivities. “The holidays are a time to unwind and recharge,” she stated. “Even far from home, the UAE’s multicultural environment allows us to celebrate traditions and share joy with friends and family here.”
This trend of combining annual leave with public holidays highlights the importance expatriates place on work-life balance during the festive season. By planning their time off strategically, many are ensuring they can enjoy the holidays with loved ones while starting the new year refreshed and recharged.
