If you’re here, there’s a good chance you’re thinking planning a trip to Dubai. Perhaps you’re also wondering When to visit the city to make the most of it, or simply to avoid the busiest times. If that’s the case, this article is here to answer all your questions!
In Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates, public holidays such as New Year’s Day, Eid al-Fitr and the National Day on 2 December set the pace of local life. Indeed, these occasions are not only times of celebration, but also periods when the city takes on a completely different atmosphere.
In the following paragraphs, you will discover:
- Must-see public holidays in Dubai ;
- The best times to visit the city ;
- And what’s more the impact of the festive season on the local property market.
So, whether you’re a local or a tourist, take a few minutes to find out more How to plan your trip to Dubai. Let’s go! ?
What are the weekend days in Dubai?
Traditionally, in Dubai, the weekend ran from Thursday to Friday in keeping with local tradition. However, since January 2022, this has changed to bring it more into line with international standards.
The current weekend days
At the moment, the weekend in Dubai is on Fridays and Saturdays. Friday is regarded as a holy day in Islam. Indeed, this day is dedicated to to prayer and family. As for Saturday, it gives you the chance to enjoy a well-deserved break before getting back to work for the week (much like Sunday in France).
Why did this change take place?
The change from the traditional weekend (Thursday–Friday) was made for several reasons:
- To establish economic alignment with international markets.
- To facilitate trade with Western countries.
- To help expatriates adapt more easily to their new environment.
What about Sundays, then?
Contrary to what you might think, the Sunday is a working day in Dubai. Yes, it’s crazy, but here, Sunday marks the start of the working week. So it’s best to plan your activities carefully if you’re just passing through.
Now that you know more about Weekends in Dubai, we’ll leave you to imagine a peaceful Friday by the fountains of the Burj Khalifa and a Saturday of frenzied shopping in the huge shopping centres. Sounds rather tempting, doesn’t it?
How many public holidays are there in the United Arab Emirates in 2025?
The Public holidays in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are the perfect opportunity to spend time with the family or learn more about the local culture. But how many will there be in 2025? Well, get your diary out, because there are several to note down!
The list of public holidays in 2025
In 2025, The United Arab Emirates has 14 official public holidays. Here are the main ones:
- 1 January (Wednesday) : New Year’s Day – the day when we celebrate and enjoy the local festivities.
- 29–31 March (Saturday to Monday) : Eid al-Fitr – the end of Ramadan, marked by three days of celebrations.
- 5 June (Thursday) : Arafat (Hajj) Day – an important day for Muslim pilgrims.
- 6–8 June (Friday to Sunday) : Eid al-Adha – the Festival of Sacrifice, one of the biggest festivals of the year.
- 26 June (Thursday) : The Islamic New Year (Al-Hijra).
- 4 September (Thursday) : The birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
- 1 December (Monday) : Remembrance Day – a solemn occasion to honour the martyrs.
- 2–3 December (Tuesday and Wednesday) : National Day – a day filled with numerous parades and spectacular fireworks.
Dates that vary and are based on the lunar calendar
Please note, however, that it is important to be aware that some of the days mentioned above, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, depend on the’moon-gazing. Well, yes, sometimes you have to wait until the last minute to find out the exact date! For this reason, it is advisable to keep your plans flexible.
How do these days affect everyday life?
Over the festive period, please be aware that public and private services may operate on a revised timetable. In fact, Public holidays in Dubai They also provide an opportunity for local residents to get together and for tourists to enjoy unique cultural experiences.
There you have it – now you know how many public holidays are coming up in 2025. So, whether you’re a resident or just passing through, don’t forget to make the most of these days to discover a different side to the Emirates!
When are the holidays in Dubai?
Please note that the holidays in Dubai aren’t limited to public holidays! In fact, there are several key periods during which the city takes on a different rhythm.
1. School holidays in Dubai
In Dubai, the school calendar is divided into three terms, with breaks spread out evenly throughout the year:
- The winter holidays : They usually fall between mid-December and early January.
- The summer holidays : They take place from late June to late August.
- The break during Ramadan : Some schools are reducing their timetables or granting days off.
2. Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan literally transforms the city. Indeed, the days are quieter, working hours are shorter, and the nights come alive thanks to the iftars (meal to break the fast).
For tourists, it’s a fascinating time to experience, but there are certain rules that must be followed:
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during the day.
- Discover the night markets and local traditions.
3. The festive season
The festive season, although not religious in the local context, take on an incredible scale in Dubai. Indeed, you can see sumptuous decorations, stroll through the Christmas markets in the shopping centres, and admire spectacular fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
Basically, between Christmas and New Year’s Day, the city becomes a real winter wonderland (without the snow, of course!). It’s also a very popular time of year for tourists, so do remember to book your accommodation well in advance.
4. Shopping and holiday seasons in Dubai
And now, hold on tight! Holidays in Dubai often coincide with periods of massive sales:
- The Dubai Shopping Festival, which takes place at the start of the year.
- Dubai Summer Surprises, which takes place during the summer.
Public holidays and their impact on the property market in Dubai
Public holidays in Dubai are not just about celebrations; they also boost the property market. Indeed, these periods attract large numbers of tourists and, as a result, increase the demand for holiday let. As a result, short-term accommodation, particularly in sought-after neighbourhoods such as Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina, are often fully booked, with prices on the rise.
However, for investors, this is a golden opportunity! If you’re the right sort of person, consider investing during the festive season will help you maximise your rental returns!
Plan your next visit or investment in Dubai!
That’s it, we’ve come to the end of this article! You now know a lot more about Public holidays and holiday periods in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Indeed, not only do you know the best times to visit the city, but you have also realised that these periods present unique opportunities for investors. Yes, Public holidays boost rental demand and mark peak periods for the property market in Dubai !
So why not combine business with pleasure? We’re offering you the chance to do just that. ?
At DRN, our 100% French-speaking estate agency, we can help you. Whether you’re looking to invest in a property or maximise your rental returns, our team will know how to support you.
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