September 24, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: Five day weekend residents of the United Arab Emirates may anticipate one of the most extended holiday periods of the year this December. The arrangement of the calendar in 2025, in conjunction with the recent updates to the UAE’s holiday regulations, has generated the prospect of a five day weekend in celebration of UAE National Day 2025. While official confirmation has not yet been issued, the corresponding dates indicate a distinctive chance for a prolonged five day holiday.
National Day 2025 Dates and the Holiday Law
UAE National Day 2025, marking the country’s formation in 1971, will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The following day, Wednesday, December 3, is also designated as part of the official National Day holidays. In addition, Commemoration Day (Martyrs Day), officially marked on November 30, is expected to be observed on Monday, December 1.
This sequence already ensures three consecutive days off from December 1 to 3. When combined with the weekend before—Saturday, November 29, and Sunday, November 30–residents could potentially have five uninterrupted days off, creating a five day holiday.
This possibility is linked to the Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, which gave authorities the power to move non-religious holidays to the start or end of the week. The measure aims to reduce mid-week disruptions and create longer, continuous breaks. UAE National Day 2025 and Commemoration Day fall under this category, unlike religious holidays such as Eid, which remain fixed by lunar dates.
The rule has already been applied in recent years for other holidays, giving residents longer weekends. Its use in December 2025 would align perfectly with the calendar to create the rare five day holiday.
Possible Scenarios for the Five Day Weekend
The UAE Cabinet has not yet published the official schedule for December holidays. However, the way the dates align allows for three main scenarios:
- Five day weekend (Nov 29–Dec 3): If Commemoration Day is observed on Dec 1, followed by National Day on Dec 2 and Dec 3, together with the regular weekend.
- Four day weekend: If authorities adjust only one of the National Day holidays to link with the weekend.
- Three day break: If holidays are observed strictly from Dec 1 to Dec 3, without applying the shifting law.
Read More: Is A 5-Day Break Coming For UAE National Day Holiday 2025?
This uncertainty means residents should be cautious about booking travel until an official announcement is made. The UAE Cabinet traditionally confirms public holiday dates only weeks in advance.
What Residents Should Expect?
A long weekend around the UAE National Day 2025 often coincides with major celebrations across the country. Fireworks, concerts, heritage shows, and flag-raising ceremonies are held in all emirates, drawing large crowds. A five day holiday would allow more people to participate in these national events.
For families, the timing offers a chance to plan both domestic and international trips. Airlines and travel agencies typically report high demand during the National Day period, and this year could see a surge if the holiday stretches across five days.
The tourism sector, particularly hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, is expected to benefit. Resorts often run special packages for the UAE National Day 2025, and malls across the country hold sales and extended events. Restaurants and entertainment venues also prepare for higher footfall.
Employers in the private sector will await confirmation from the government before finalizing holiday schedules. Essential services such as healthcare, security, and transport, will continue to operate, though with adjusted working hours in some cases.
Looking Ahead
Residents can currently anticipate a guaranteed break of three days, from December 1 to December 3, 2025. Should the holiday-shifting legislation be enacted, this segment may extend to a five day weekend, encompassing the period from November 29 through December 3.
The UAE Cabinet is responsible for announcing the official public holiday list as the date approaches. In the interim, residents and businesses are encouraged to consider various scenarios while refraining from confirming extensive travel arrangements until the dates are officially declared.
A conclusive decision is expected, aligning with the government’s overarching policy to synchronize holidays across different sectors, thereby facilitating both national celebrations and the balance between professional and personal life.
Also Read: UAE National Day 2025: Long Weekend Hopes Rise as Dates Confirmed
