The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced that January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)will be a public holiday for government employees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks the first public holiday of the upcoming year, providing citizens and residents with an opportunity to celebrate the New Year.
The announcement aligns with the UAE’s official public holiday calendar released earlier this year. In 2025, UAE residents will enjoy a total of up to 13 public holidaysincluding Islamic festivals and national observances.
Changes to Eid Al Fitr Holiday
One notable change in 2025 is the revised schedule for the Eid Al Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan. Residents will receive up to four days off, depending on the length of the holy month of Ramadan:
- If Ramadan lasts 30 daysthe break will include Ramadan 30 and Shawwal 1 to 3.
- If Ramadan lasts 29 daysthe holiday will cover Shawwal 1 to 3.
This slight adjustment means the Eid Al Fitr holiday may no longer coincide with extended breaks seen in previous years. For instance, in 2024, the Eid Al Fitr holiday spanned nine daysincluding weekends, from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3.
Additional Breaks: Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha
UAE residents will also enjoy a four-day break during Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha:
- Arafah Day: Observed on Dhul Hijjah 9it is considered the holiest day in Islam.
- Eid Al Adha: Following Arafah Day, this three-day festival will be celebrated from Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12.
This extended holiday period offers another opportunity for residents to spend time with family, travel, or participate in cultural and religious celebrations.
Public Holiday Highlights for 2025
With a well-planned calendar of public holidays, the UAE continues its tradition of prioritizing cultural, religious, and national celebrations. This ensures that citizens and residents alike can enjoy meaningful breaks throughout the year.
As the New Year approaches, the January 1st holiday is expected to set a positive tone for 2025, giving government employees a well-deserved day off to mark the occasion.
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