Maximize Your Time Off: Annual Leave Strategies for 2025 in the UAE
As we approach 2025, the excitement for the New Year is palpable! With new holidays on the horizon, it’s essential to make the most of your time off, especially if you’re working in the UAE. Under UAE labor law, every employee is entitled to 30 days of paid leave annually, provided they’ve been with their employer for over a year. Additionally, you are entitled to fully paid leave on public holidays, allowing for ample opportunities to relax and recharge.
While some public holidays may coincide with weekends and not alter your schedule, several holidays fall just before or after weekends, giving you an extended break. Here’s a detailed guide on how to maximize your annual leave in 2025 while living and working in the UAE. *Please note that some dates may be confirmed closer to the holidays as they depend on moon sightings.
UAE Holidays 2025
5 Days Off for New Year with Just 2 Days of Annual Leave
The UAE government has officially declared Wednesday, January 1 as a public holiday. By taking just two days of annual leave, you can enjoy a delightful five-day weekend.
Recommended Leave:
- Thursday, January 2
- Friday, January 3
And just like that, you have a mini-vacation to kick off the year!
9 Days Off for Eid Al Fitr with 2 or 3 Days of Annual Leave
The dates for Eid Al Fitr depend on the moon sighting. If Ramadan lasts 29 days, the Eid break will commence on Sunday, March 30, resulting in a long weekend from Sunday to Tuesday. Conversely, if Ramadan extends to 30 days, the holiday will begin on Monday, March 31 and last until Wednesday, April 2, giving you a five-day weekend.
By utilizing two or three days of annual leave, you can stretch your holiday to nine days!
Recommended Leave:
- Wednesday, April 2 through Friday, April 4
- Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4
10 Days Off for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha with 4 Days of Annual Leave
Another holiday that hinges on moon sightings, if everything aligns, you can expect a break from Friday, May 30 (Arafat Day) to Monday, June 2 (Eid Al Adha). By booking four days of annual leave, you can enjoy a well-deserved 10-day break!
Recommended Leave:
- Tuesday, June 3 through Friday, June 6
5 Days Off for Islamic New Year with 2 Days of Annual Leave
Another holiday dependent on moon sighting, astronomers predict that Islamic New Year will fall on Friday, June 27. By taking two days of annual leave, you can enjoy another extended five-day weekend.
Recommended Leave:
- Monday, June 30
- Tuesday, July 1
5 Days Off for Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday with 2 Days of Annual Leave
Also contingent on moon sightings, Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) is expected to take place on Monday, September 1. Utilize two days of annual leave to secure a lengthy five-day weekend.
Recommended Leave:
- Monday, September 1
- Tuesday, September 2
9 Days Off for Commemoration Day and National Day with 2 Days of Annual Leave
Commemoration Day will be observed on Monday, December 1, followed by National Day on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3. By taking two additional days off, you can enjoy a nine-day holiday.
Recommended Leave:
- Thursday, December 4
- Friday, December 5
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