UAE Holidays & What to Expect
Ramadan, Eid, National Day & Islamic calendar holidays
⚡ Quick Answer
UAE holidays follow both fixed dates and the Islamic lunar calendar (dates shift ~11 days earlier each year). Ramadan (~30 days) isn't a holiday but significantly changes daily life. Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adhaare the biggest celebrations — expect closures and crowds.
📅 2025 Public Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day | Moderate | Fixed date |
| Mar 29 - Apr 1* | Eid Al Fitr | Major | ~4 days, depends on moon |
| Jun 5 - 8* | Eid Al Adha | Major | ~4 days, depends on moon |
| Jun 26* | Islamic New Year | Moderate | Depends on moon sighting |
| Sep 4* | Prophet Muhammad Birthday | Moderate | Depends on moon |
| Dec 1 | Commemoration Day | Moderate | Fixed date |
| Dec 2-3 | UAE National Day | High | Major celebrations |
* Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting and may shift by 1-2 days. Dates are approximate.
🌙 Ramadan (March 2025)
Expected dates: ~February 28 - March 29, 2025 (depends on moon sighting)
Ramadan is not a holiday — it's a month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Daily life changes significantly:
- • Eating/drinking in public: Not allowed during daylight (for everyone)
- • Working hours: Reduced by 2 hours for Muslims
- • Restaurants: Closed until Iftar (sunset) or screened off
- • Nightlife: Subdued — no loud music in public
- • Iftar time: City comes alive! Malls open late (1-2 AM)
- • Traffic: Crazy before Iftar, everyone rushing home
💡 Tip for visitors: Ramadan can be a beautiful cultural experience. Hotels serve food discreetly to guests. Evening Iftar buffets are spectacular. Just be respectful — no eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day.
🎉 Eid Celebrations
🌙 Eid Al Fitr
End of Ramadan — the "Festival of Breaking Fast"
- • 3-4 day public holiday
- • Family gatherings, gift-giving
- • Malls and attractions packed
- • Fireworks, special events
🐑 Eid Al Adha
"Festival of Sacrifice" — follows Hajj pilgrimage
- • 4 day public holiday (largest)
- • Many expats travel
- • Charitable meat distribution
- • Banks/govt closed extended period
🇦🇪 UAE National Day (Dec 2-3)
The UAE's biggest national celebration! Marks the federation of the seven emirates in 1971.
- • Massive fireworks at Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame
- • Buildings lit up in UAE flag colors (red, green, white, black)
- • Car parades with flags everywhere
- • Special events, sales, decorations
- • Traffic can be chaotic — plan ahead!
📊 What's Open During Holidays?
| Business | Public Holidays | Ramadan |
|---|---|---|
| Malls | ✓ Open (busy!) | ✓ Open late nights |
| Banks | ✗ Closed | ⚠ Reduced hours |
| Government | ✗ Closed | ⚠ Reduced hours |
| Restaurants | ✓ Open | ⚠ After Iftar only |
| Tourist Attractions | ✓ Open (crowded) | ✓ Open |
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Last updated: December 2024.