Celebrate UAE National Day with a 2-Day Private Sector Holiday on December 1st and 2nd

The UAE has declared December 1-2, 2025 as paid public holidays for all private sector employees to celebrate the country's 54th National Day. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation made the announcement following a Cabinet decision that applies to both government and private sector workers.

The two-day break falls on Monday and Tuesday, creating an extended weekend for millions of workers across the Emirates. This follows the UAE's standard practice of providing paid leave for National Day celebrations, which mark the federation of the seven emirates in 1971.

The ministry issued an official circular to ensure all private companies comply with the holiday directive. Under UAE labor law, employers must provide paid time off during official public holidays, and employees who work during these periods are entitled to additional compensation.

For businesses, the extended holiday period typically means reduced operations but also increased consumer spending as residents travel domestically or plan celebrations. The tourism and hospitality sectors usually see a boost during National Day holidays, as many expatriate families use the time for staycations or regional travel.

The announcement comes well in advance, giving companies time to plan operations and staffing around the holiday period. The UAE's National Day celebrations typically include fireworks, cultural events, and patriotic displays across the country's major cities.