September 27, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: As the United Arab Emirates approaches the celebration of Eid Al Etihad holiday 2025, commonly referred to as National Day, numerous residents have inquired whether the holiday will culminate in a four-day break or potentially a five-day break. Many are hopeful that the upcoming UAE public holiday could transform into a long weekend, giving families, travelers, and businesses more time to plan and celebrate.
Confirmed Dates and the Four-Day Possibility
The UAE government has officially confirmed Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and Wednesday, December 3, 2025, as public holidays for Eid Al Etihad holiday 2025. These days mark the UAE’s 54th National Day, commemorating the unification of the Emirates in 1971.
While two days are confirmed, the possibility of December 1 (Monday) being added to the calendar is under consideration. If approved, residents would benefit from a four-day holiday running from Monday, December 1 to Thursday, December 4. With the weekend on Saturday and Sunday, this would allow many people to enjoy a continuous stretch of time off—essentially turning the celebration into a long weekend.
Such an extension of the UAE public holiday would not be unusual. In past years, the UAE has occasionally added a “bridge day” to align public holidays with weekends, ensuring citizens and residents enjoy a longer break. A four-day break would allow time for:
- Travel and tourism: Residents could take short trips within the Gulf region or to nearby destinations.
- Staycations: Families may opt for hotels and resorts within the UAE, boosting domestic tourism.
- Events and celebrations: Shopping malls, cultural venues, and entertainment destinations usually plan special activities around National Day.
This makes a four-day break the most likely scenario based on current patterns.
Could the Holiday Extend to Five Days?
For residents hoping for an even longer long break, the question remains: could Eid Al Etihad 2025 become a five-day break? For this to happen, the government would need to add both December 1 (Monday) and December 4 (Thursday) to the official holiday list.
Read More: Eid Al Etihad & UAE Public Holidays 2025: Long Weekend for the 54th UAE National Day?
If approved, this would create a continuous five-day break from Monday to Friday, followed by the weekend. That would mean seven consecutive days off for many employees.
However, this outcome is less common. In previous years, National Day holidays have generally lasted two to four days. A five-day break would require an extraordinary decision by the UAE Cabinet or a special decree from the leadership.
Still, residents often wait for official announcements before finalizing travel or holiday plans. The government usually confirms holiday schedules closer to the date, keeping flexibility for national events and business considerations. Until such confirmation, a four-day break remains the most realistic expectation, while a five-day break is possible but uncertain.
What Residents and Businesses Should Expect?
The duration of the holiday will have a wide impact across the UAE.
For residents, the holiday determines whether they can plan long-haul trips or stay closer to home. Families often use National Day holidays for regional travel, staycations, or participating in national celebrations. A longer holiday period would allow for more elaborate plans.
For businesses, the impact is twofold:
- Hospitality and retail sectors often see higher activity during long weekends, with special National Day promotions driving demand.
- Financial services, logistics, and trade may face reduced working days, requiring careful planning to maintain operations.
Authorities will also be considering these factors before making a final announcement. Longer breaks bring economic benefits for tourism and retail but also mean fewer working days for other industries.
Final Outlook on Eid Al Etihad Holiday 2025
Currently, residents of the United Arab Emirates can anticipate two confirmed public holidays on December 2 and December 3, 2025. It is highly probable that December 1 will also be designated as a holiday, thereby facilitating a four-day weekend.
A five-day holiday period remains a possibility; however, this would necessitate an unprecedented decision by the government. Until an official announcement is made, residents are strongly encouraged to plan their activities around the confirmed holiday dates, while remaining aware that additional days may be granted subsequently.
Eid Al Etihad stands as one of the UAE’s significant national observances. Regardless of whether the holiday period spans two, four, or five days, it will undoubtedly be celebrated with various cultural events and expressions of national pride throughout the Emirates.
Also Read: UAE Public Holidays: Eid Al Etihad Celebrations and Long Weekend Ahead
