Planning your holidays in advance can be a game-changer, especially with all the exciting travel options available from the UAE. With various public holidays lined up, UAE holidays 2025 bring ample opportunities for long weekends, extended trips, and quick getaways. Here's a complete breakdown of each Holiday, ideas on where to travel, and some valuable tips for enjoying each Holiday to the fullest.
You will find in this article:
- Official UAE Holidays 2025
- Holiday Breakdown: Dates, Travel Tips, and Destinations
- UAE eSIM: Stay Connected With Airalo
Official UAE Holidays 2025
Planning your year around the UAE holidays in 2025 can help you make the most of long weekends and extended breaks. With a blend of fixed Gregorian dates and Islamic holidays that follow the lunar calendar, UAE's public holidays provide fantastic opportunities for both local and international getaways. Here's a complete list of the official UAE holidays in 2025, including their dates in Gregorian and Hijri calendars and the number of days off.
*Dates are subject to moon sighting and may vary.
Holiday Breakdown: Dates, Travel Tips, and Destinations
New Year's Day
Kick off the year with a one-day holiday to recharge and set the tone for 2025. Since it's midweek, consider a staycation within the UAE to start the year on a relaxing note. Al Ain and Fujairah are great for a short getaway, offering everything from scenic hikes to luxury resorts.
Where to Go:
- Al Ain: Known as the "Garden City," Al Ain is a fantastic destination for family-friendly activities, from the Al Ain Zoo to the Jebel Hafeet Mountain.
- Fujairah: If you prefer the coast, Fujairah offers beautiful beaches that are ideal for unwinding and for a scenic road trip.
Related: UAE Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Eid Al-Fitr – 4-day Holiday
With four days off, Eid Al-Fitr provides an extended break perfect for a short international trip. For easy planning, consider no-visa destinations such as Georgia or Azerbaijan. Opt for an eSIM from Airalo for seamless connectivity throughout your journey to these destinations.
Where to Go:
- Georgia: With direct flights from the UAE and no visa required for UAE residents (learn more here), Georgia offers a stunning blend of nature and culture. Get a Georgia eSIM to stay connected while exploring Tbilisi, the scenic countryside, or the ski resorts in Gudauri.
- Azerbaijan: Explore Baku's historic architecture, museums, and unique cityscapes. An Azerbaijan eSIM will help you quickly navigate the city and access helpful travel apps.
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Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha – 4-day Holiday
This four-day break is ideal for a more extended trip or a beach escape, making it one of the best UAE holidays in 2025 for travel. Since Eid Al-Adha falls during the summer, consider beach destinations or tropical spots. Southeast Asian islands, like Thailand and the Maldives, offer a perfect escape with eSIM options, including calls and texts.
Where to Go:
- Thailand: Discover Thailand's diverse landscape, from the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Phuket and Krabi. An eSIM with data, calls, and texts for Thailand keeps you connected and makes navigation easy.
- Maldives: For an ultimate luxury experience, the Maldives offers unmatched beauty with overwater villas and crystal-clear waters. A Maldives eSIM ensures smooth connectivity for a hassle-free, relaxing vacation.
Islamic New Year
A one-day holiday that provides a long weekend, perfect for a local adventure or a short international trip without extensive travel. Explore neighboring countries for a cultural experience, or enjoy the summer sales in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for a luxury staycation.
Where to Go:
- Oman: Just a short drive away, Oman has beautiful landscapes with mountains, wadis, and beaches. A day trip to Musandam or a weekend in Nizwa can be a refreshing break.
- Staycation in the UAE: Check out the summer deals at resorts in Ras Al Khaimah or Ajman for a tranquil retreat with beach access and family-friendly activities.
- Hatta: Just a short drive from Dubai, Hatta is known for its natural beauty, mountains, and adventure activities. From kayaking in Hatta Dam to exploring Hatta Wadi Hub for hiking and mountain biking, Hatta is ideal for a day of excitement and scenic relaxation.
- Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: For a modern and family-friendly getaway, Yas Island offers attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. It's perfect for families or thrill-seekers looking for fun and relaxation close to home.
Related: 30 Must-See Tourist Places in Dubai You Absolutely Cannot Miss
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Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (PBUH)
A Thursday holiday gives you a long weekend to explore new destinations. No-visa destinations like Seychelles are easy to pick up. Or take a quick flight to Sri Lanka, a unique destination just a few hours away from the UAE, with an easy e-visa option.
Where to Go:
- Jordan: Discover the ancient city of Petra or float in the Dead Sea. Jordan is a short flight from the UAE, and an eSIM for Jordan ensures connectivity to navigate sites, find restaurants, and capture memorable moments.
- Sri Lanka: Known for its stunning tea plantations, wildlife safaris, and beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka offers a bit of everything. An eSIM for Sri Lanka will keep you connected for easy navigation and travel tips.
- Seychelles: For a true tropical escape, the Seychelles offers pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery. Perfect for relaxation or exploration, Seychelles is ideal for those looking to unwind in paradise. An eSIM for Seychelles makes it easy to stay connected as you island-hop or enjoy the secluded beauty of the archipelago.
UAE National Day – 2-day Holiday
UAE National Day offers two days off, with plenty of local festivities. Celebrate locally or take a short international break. Egypt and Saudi Arabia offer rich historical and cultural experiences just a short flight from the UAE.
Where to Go:
- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah: Each emirate celebrates with its unique style, from parades and fireworks to cultural shows. Dubai's Burj Khalifa and Abu Dhabi's Corniche are popular spots for National Day festivities.
- Egypt: Visit Cairo for its historic sites, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, or enjoy a cruise on the Nile. Egypt's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes make it a perfect choice for a quick yet fulfilling getaway. An Egypt eSIM will help keep you connected as you explore the country's wonders.
- Saudi Arabia: Explore the rich heritage of Riyadh or the historic city of Jeddah. With its rapidly growing tourism scene, Saudi Arabia offers unique cultural experiences and desert adventures. For seamless connectivity, consider getting an eSIM for Saudi Arabia to stay connected for maps, travel updates, and more.
Related: All You Need to Know About UAE National Day
UAE eSIM: Stay Connected With Airalo
No matter where you travel, stay connected with an Airalo eSIM. Airalo gives you access to affordable eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions — including the UAE.
Why Airalo? Here are a few reasons to use an Airalo eSIM when you travel:
- Connect to a mobile network within minutes of arrival.
- Choose from flexible local, regional, and global data plans.
- Eliminate the need to find a local SIM vendor.
- Say goodbye to expensive roaming charges.
- Store multiple eSIM data plans on your device.
- Running out of data? Top up in the Airalo app.
Planning a trip to Yas Island? Get a UAE eSIM to stay connected during your trip.
