We all know that 30 days of vacation is not always enough. With work demands and personal commitments, it can feel like there’s never enough time to relax and recharge. However, with a bit of strategic planning and awareness of public holidays, you can stretch your time off and enjoy well-deserved breaks without using up all your leave. Here’s how you can maximize your vacation time in the UAE for 2025.
Total Possible Days Off in 2025
The UAE public holidays in 2025 include:
- New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1
- Eid al-Fitr (Tentative) – Monday, March 31 to Wednesday, April 2
- Arafat Day (Tentative) – Friday, May 30
- Eid al-Adha (Tentative) – Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2
- Islamic New Year – Friday, June 27
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – Monday, September 1
- Commemoration Day – Monday, December 1
- National Day – Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3
By aligning these holidays with weekends and carefully planning your annual leave, you can enjoy extended breaks. In total, there are 15 public holiday days in 2025. If combined effectively with weekends and annual leaves, you could potentially get over 30 days off throughout the year.
Also Read: Exploring Cactus Park in Jaddaf: A New Tourist Spot in Dubai
Strategic Vacation Planning
Here’s a month-by-month guide to maximizing your time off:
- January
- New Year’s Day (Wednesday): Take leave on January 2 and 3 to get a five-day break from December 30 to January 5.
- March
- Eid al-Fitr (Tentative, March 31-April 2): File a leave on April 3 to 4 to make a nine-day break from March 29 to April 6.
- June
- Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha (Tentative, May 30-June 2): Take leave on June 3 to 6 to enjoy a ten-day break from May 30 to June 8.
- Islamic New Year (Friday, June 27): Add a leave day on June 23-26 for a nine-day break from June 21-29..
- September
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Friday, September 1): File a leave on August 31 and enjoy 4 days of long weekend from August 29 to September 1.
- December
- Commemoration Day and National Day (December 1-3): Take leave on December 4 and 5 to create a nine-day holiday from November 29 to December 7.
Total Leaves Consumed – 16 days
Total Leaves Remaining: 18 days
Total Leaves Possible – 41 days
Total Vacation Leaves – 59 days
Also Read: How to Verify Employment Contracts for Overseas Filipinos in Dubai
Travel and Staycation Ideas
Maximizing your vacation isn’t just about taking days off; it’s also about planning memorable experiences. Here are some ideas:
- Weekend Getaways: Explore nearby destinations like Oman, Georgia, or the Maldives for short trips.
- Staycations: Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer world-class hotels and resorts. Treat yourself to a luxurious stay without the hassle of travel.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit the UAE’s heritage sites, such as Al Ain or Sharjah, to connect with local history.
Tips for Successful Planning
- File Leave Early: To secure your desired days off, submit your leave requests as early as possible
- Book Early: Public holidays mean increased demand for flights and accommodations. Book your trips early to secure better deals.
- Coordinate with Your Team: Ensure your vacation plans align with work responsibilities and team schedules.
- Check Holiday Confirmations: Islamic holidays are based on moon sightings, so confirm exact dates closer to the time.
Also Read: How to Apply for a Transit Visa in Flydubai
Note: This guide is based on expected public holiday dates, and some may change depending on moon sightings. Always confirm dates closer to the time to ensure your plans align with official announcements.
By being strategic, you can make 2025 a year full of adventures, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones. So, get your calendar ready and start planning your ultimate vacation!
