What Public Holidays Do Private Sector Employees Get in UAE?
Complete guide to UAE private sector holidays. Learn about 12+ public holidays, unified policies, holiday pay, and your rights under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024.
Key Takeaways
- UAE labour law is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
- Employees and employers both have specific rights and obligations under the law
- MOHRE handles labour disputes and can be contacted for complaints
- Understanding your rights is essential for a fair working relationship
Private sector employees in UAE receive all official public holidays as paid time off, totaling at least 12 days annually. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, both public and private sector workers enjoy unified holiday policies including Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, UAE National Day, and New Year's Day with equal treatment across all employment sectors.Understanding UAE Private Sector Holiday RightsThe
UAE government ensures equal holiday treatment between public and private sector employees, eliminating historical disparities. This unified approach promotes workplace fairness and supports the country's diverse workforce regardless of employment sector.The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) enforces these holiday entitlements for all private companies, creating consistent standards
across industries and business sizes throughout the UAE.Complete List of UAE Private Sector Holidays 2025Confirmed Public HolidaysNew Year's Day: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday) Eid Al Fitr: March 31 - April 2, 2025 (4-5 days expected) Arafat Day: May 30, 2025 (Friday) Eid Al Adha: May 31 - June 2, 2025 (3-4 days) Islamic New Year: June 27, 2025 (Friday) Prophet Muhammad's Birthday: September 4, 2025
(Thursday - estimated) Commemoration Day: December 1, 2025 (Monday - moved from November 30) UAE National Day: December 2-3, 2025 (Tuesday-Wednesday)Variable Holiday DurationsEid Al Fitr Duration: Depends on Ramadan length (29 or 30 days)If Ramadan has 30 days: 5-day holiday periodIf Ramadan has 29 days: 4-day holiday periodExtended Weekends: Many holidays create long weekend opportunities when combined
with regular rest days.How UAE Holiday Scheduling WorksMoon Sighting DeterminationIslamic Holidays: Dates depend on official moon sighting committees Astronomical Predictions: Provide estimated dates in advance Official Confirmation: Government announces exact dates closer to events Calendar Variations: Islamic holidays shift annually in Gregorian calendarWeekend Extension PolicyUnder Cabinet Resolution
No. 27 of 2024, holidays falling on weekends may be moved to create extended breaks:Weekend Adjustment: Holidays on Saturday/Sunday can be transferred Extended Breaks: Potential for longer weekend periods Cabinet Authority: Government determines optimal scheduling Employee Benefit: Maximizes time off for workersPrivate vs Public Sector Holiday EqualityUnified Holiday PolicyThe UAE implemented equal
holiday treatment for all workers:Same Holidays: Private sector receives identical days off Same Duration: Equal holiday lengths across sectors Same Pay: Full salary during holiday periods Same Scheduling: Unified calendar for all employeesHistorical ContextPreviously, private sector workers received fewer holidays than government employees. The new policy eliminated this disparity, ensuring workplace
fairness across the UAE economy.How Holidays Affect Your SalaryPaid Holiday EntitlementAll official UAE public holidays are fully paid time off:Full Salary: Continu...
About This Article
This article provides general information about UAE labour law and employment regulations. The information is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and subsequent amendments. For specific legal advice regarding your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).