UAE National Day 2025 Could Bring a Five-Day Weekend

Thursday, 31 July 2025

While December may still feel far off, now is a great time to start thinking about how to make the most of the UAE’s National Day holiday – especially since there’s potential for a five-day weekend this year.

Known locally as Eid Al Etihad, UAE National Day commemorates the formation of the United Arab Emirates. In 2025, the country will mark its 54th National Day on Tuesday, December 2.

Table of Contents

• What does the public holiday law say?
• The possibility of a longer break
• A look at recent patterns
• Could UAE Commemoration Day extend the holiday?
• A time of national pride and celebration
• Frequently asked questions

What does the public holiday law say?

According to UAE’s official public holiday schedule, residents are typically given two days off each year for National Day: December 2 and December 3.

If this rule holds in 2025, it would mean a welcome midweek break with a public holiday falling on a Tuesday and Wednesday.

But here’s where things get exciting…

http://UAE National Day

The possibility of a longer break

Under the UAE’s public holiday law, non-religious holidays can be shifted to either the beginning or end of the week. This adjustment allows residents to enjoy longer continuous breaks, rather than isolated days off.

In 2025, there’s a possibility that Monday, December 1 could also be declared a public holiday — either in addition to or as a substitute for December 3.

If Monday is officially included, UAE residents could enjoy a five-day holiday when combined with the weekend (Saturday, November 29, and Sunday, November 30).

More realistically, it’s likely that December 3 could be moved to Monday, resulting in a four-day weekend from Saturday through Tuesday — still a generous break as the year winds down.

A look at recent patterns

This flexibility in moving holidays isn’t new. For example, the Islamic New Year holiday — which traditionally depends on moon sightings — was announced ahead of time this year and observed on a Friday, giving residents more time to plan and relax.

Could UAE Commemoration Day extend the holiday?

Interestingly, UAE Commemoration Day falls on Sunday, November 30, just before National Day. While this solemn occasion isn’t typically observed as a public holiday, the law allows local authorities — such as the Dubai government — to declare additional days off if they see fit.

If that happens, there’s a possibility that Commemoration Day could be included in an extended National Day holiday period, creating a full five-day break from Saturday, November 29 to Wednesday, December 3.

A time of national pride and celebration

UAE National Day is one of the most anticipated occasions of the year. From patriotic displays and dazzling fireworks to large-scale public events attended by the leaders of all seven emirates, it’s a time when the entire country unites in celebration.

One highlight is the UAE Flag Garden, where visitors gather to admire thousands of flags set against iconic backdrops — a must-visit during the festivities.

Whether it ends up being a four- or five-day weekend, one thing is certain: UAE National Day 2025 promises to be a memorable one. So mark your calendars, and start planning your staycations, getaways, or celebrations — you may have more time off than you think!