Looking forward to your next long weekend in the UAE?  You’re in luck! 2025 is packed with public holidays and one of the most anticipated is UAE National Day 2025.

What is Eid Al Etihad /UAE National Day?

Eid Al Etihad also known as UAE National Day marks the unification of the seven emirates and the founding of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. It’s one of the biggest celebrations of the year, featuring fireworks, parades, concerts and patriotic displays across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the UAE.

When is Eid Al Etihad / UAE National Day 2025?

In 2025, UAE Eid Al Etihad will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 2, marking the country’s 54th National Day.

According to the UAE public holiday law, residents typically receive two days off — December 2 and December 3  to commemorate the occasion.

Will Eid Al Etihad 2025 Bring a Long Weekend?

If the same rules apply in 2025, we can expect a midweek break. However, under the UAE’s updated holiday law, public holidays can be moved to the start or end of the week to create longer weekends.

That means there’s a strong chance that Monday, December 1, could either be added as a public holiday or replace the December 3 holiday – giving UAE residents a four-day or even five-day long weekend when combined with the weekend.

Recent Holiday Adjustments in the UAE

This flexibility has already been seen with other holidays. For example, the Islamic New Year was recently moved to a Friday to allow residents a longer weekend, giving everyone more time to plan and enjoy the break.

UAE National Day and Commemoration Day 2025

Commemoration Day (Martyrs’ Day) falls on Sunday, November 30, 2025, just before UAE National Day. While it’s not always a public holiday, local governments such as Dubai’s  have the authority to extend holidays at their discretion. This means Commemoration Day could potentially be combined with National Day for an even longer break.

UAE National Day Celebrations

Every year, grand celebrations are held on December 2 across the Emirates, attended by the UAE’s leaders and citizens alike. Expect to see spectacular fireworks, themed decorations, and landmarks illuminated in the national colors.