The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced that private sector employees will enjoy a public holiday on January 1, 2025 (Wednesday), marking the first official holiday of the year. The day will be a fully paid holiday for all private sector workers.
This announcement is in line with the UAE’s official list of holidays for 2025, which was released earlier this year. It ensures parity between public and private sector holidays, promoting work-life balance and celebrating key national occasions.
Public Holidays in 2025
The UAE Cabinet has confirmed that residents will have up to 13 days off in 2025 for public holidays, including significant celebrations such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and National Day. However, the Eid Al Fitr break will be shorter next year, spanning up to four days instead of the extended nine-day holiday seen in 2024.
Flexibility in Holiday Schedules
While the dates for Islamic holidays depend on the lunar calendar, the UAE Cabinet may decide to move non-Islamic holidays to the beginning or end of the week to maximize convenience. However, holidays that fall on weekends cannot be shifted, and local governments in each Emirate may declare additional holidays as required.
Government Sector Holiday
Earlier on Friday, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources also confirmed January 1, 2025, as a public holiday for government employees, ensuring consistency across sectors.
As the new year approaches, UAE residents can look forward to the first holiday of 2025 and a well-planned calendar of breaks to enjoy time with family and friends.
