{"id":13032,"date":"2025-03-17T12:08:52","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T11:08:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/?p=13032"},"modified":"2026-07-02T11:36:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T09:36:55","slug":"public-holidays-and-holidays-in-dubai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/actualite\/jours-feries-vacances-dubai\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the public holidays and holiday periods in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re here, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019re thinking<strong> planning a trip to Dubai<\/strong>. Perhaps you\u2019re also wondering <strong>When to visit the city<\/strong> to make the most of it, or simply to avoid the busiest times. If that\u2019s the case, this article is here to answer all your questions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates, public holidays such as New Year\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the following paragraphs, you will discover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Must-see public holidays in Dubai<\/strong> ;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The best times to visit the city<\/strong> ;<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And what\u2019s more <strong>the impact of the festive season on the local property market<\/strong>.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, whether you\u2019re a local or a tourist, take a few minutes to find out more <strong>How to plan your trip to Dubai<\/strong>. Let\u2019s go! ?<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the weekend days in Dubai?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>The current weekend days<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the moment, the weekend in Dubai is <strong>on Fridays and Saturdays<\/strong>. Friday is regarded as a holy day in Islam. Indeed, this day is dedicated to <strong>to prayer and family<\/strong>. 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).<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>Why did this change take place?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The change from the traditional weekend (Thursday\u2013Friday) was made for several reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To establish economic alignment with international markets.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To facilitate trade with Western countries.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To help expatriates adapt more easily to their new environment.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about Sundays, then?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contrary to what you might think, the <strong>Sunday is a working day in Dubai<\/strong>. Yes, it\u2019s crazy, but here, Sunday marks the start of the working week. So it\u2019s best to plan your activities carefully if you\u2019re just passing through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you know more about <strong>Weekends in Dubai<\/strong>, we\u2019ll leave you to imagine a peaceful Friday by the fountains of the <a href=\"https:\/\/fr.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Burj_Khalifa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Burj Khalifa<\/strong><\/a> and a Saturday of frenzied shopping in the huge shopping centres. Sounds rather tempting, doesn\u2019t it?<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many public holidays are there in the United Arab Emirates in 2025?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Public holidays in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates<\/strong> 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!<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>The list of public holidays in 2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2025, <strong>The United Arab Emirates has 14 official public holidays<\/strong>. Here are the main ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1 January (Wednesday)<\/strong> : New Year\u2019s Day \u2013 the day when we celebrate and enjoy the local festivities.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>29\u201331 March (Saturday to Monday)<\/strong> : Eid al-Fitr \u2013 the end of Ramadan, marked by three days of celebrations.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>5 June (Thursday)<\/strong> : Arafat (Hajj) Day \u2013 an important day for Muslim pilgrims.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>6\u20138 June (Friday to Sunday)<\/strong> : Eid al-Adha \u2013 the Festival of Sacrifice, one of the biggest festivals of the year.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>26 June (Thursday)<\/strong> : The Islamic New Year (Al-Hijra).<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>4 September (Thursday)<\/strong> : The birth of the Prophet Muhammad.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1 December (Monday)<\/strong> : Remembrance Day \u2013 a solemn occasion to honour the martyrs.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2\u20133 December (Tuesday and Wednesday)<\/strong> : National Day \u2013 a day filled with numerous parades and spectacular fireworks.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dates that vary and are based on the lunar calendar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019<strong>moon-gazing<\/strong>. Well, yes, sometimes you have to wait until the last minute to find out the exact date! For this reason, it is advisable to <strong>keep your plans flexible<\/strong>.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>How do these days affect everyday life?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the festive period, please be aware that public and private services may operate on a revised timetable. In fact, <strong>Public holidays in Dubai<\/strong> They also provide an opportunity for local residents to get together and for tourists to enjoy unique cultural experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There you have it \u2013 now you know how many public holidays are coming up in 2025. So, whether you\u2019re a resident or just passing through, don\u2019t forget to make the most of these days to discover a different side to the Emirates!<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image2-2.jpg\" alt=\"mosque in Dubai\" class=\"wp-image-13034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image2-2.jpg 1020w, https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image2-2-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image2-2-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image2-2-600x353.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When are the holidays in Dubai?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please note that the <strong>holidays in Dubai<\/strong> aren\u2019t limited to public holidays! In fact, there are several key periods during which the city takes on a different rhythm.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>1. School holidays in Dubai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Dubai, the school calendar is divided into three terms, with breaks spread out evenly throughout the year:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The winter holidays<\/strong> : They usually fall between mid-December and early January.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The summer holidays<\/strong> : They take place from late June to late August.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The break during Ramadan<\/strong> : Some schools are reducing their timetables or granting days off.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Ramadan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 <strong>iftars<\/strong> (meal to break the fast).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For tourists, it\u2019s a fascinating time to experience, but there are certain rules that must be followed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during the day.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discover the night markets and local traditions.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The festive season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The festive season<\/strong>, 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\u2019s Eve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Basically, between Christmas and New Year\u2019s Day, the city becomes a real winter wonderland (without the snow, of course!). It\u2019s also a very popular time of year for tourists, so do remember to <strong>book your accommodation well in advance<\/strong>.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>4. Shopping and holiday seasons in Dubai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And now, hold on tight! Holidays in Dubai often coincide with periods of massive sales:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Dubai Shopping Festival<\/strong>, which takes place at the start of the year.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dubai Summer Surprises<\/strong>, which takes place during the summer.<br><br><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image3-1.jpg\" alt=\"property in Dubai\" class=\"wp-image-13035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image3-1.jpg 1020w, https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image3-1-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image3-1-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image3-1-600x353.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Public holidays and their impact on the property market in Dubai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Public holidays in Dubai are not just about celebrations; they also boost the <strong>property market<\/strong>. Indeed, these periods attract large numbers of tourists and, as a result, increase the demand for <strong>holiday let<\/strong>. As a result, short-term accommodation, particularly in sought-after neighbourhoods such as <strong>Downtown Dubai<\/strong> or <strong>Dubai Marina<\/strong>, are often fully booked, with prices on the rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, for investors, this is a golden opportunity! <strong>If you\u2019re the right sort of person, consider investing during the festive season<\/strong> will help you maximise your rental returns!\u00a0<br><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan your next visit or investment in Dubai!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s it, we\u2019ve come to the end of this article! You now know a lot more about <strong>Public holidays and holiday periods in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates<\/strong>. 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, <strong>Public holidays boost rental demand and mark peak periods for the property market in Dubai<\/strong> !<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So why not combine business with pleasure? We\u2019re offering you the chance to do just that. ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <a href=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/\">DRN<\/a>, our <strong>100% French-speaking estate agency<\/strong>, we can help you. Whether you\u2019re looking to invest in a property or maximise your rental returns, our team will know how to support you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">? <a href=\"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/notre-agence-immobiliere-a-dubai\/\">Discover our agency now<\/a> and everything it has to offer.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Si vous \u00eates ici, il y a de fortes chances que vous songiez \u00e0 planifier un voyage \u00e0 Duba\u00ef. Peut-\u00eatre que vous vous demandez \u00e9galement quand visiter la ville pour en profiter pleinement, ou tout simplement, pour \u00e9viter les p\u00e9riodes trop charg\u00e9es. Si c\u2019est le cas, cet article est l\u00e0 pour r\u00e9pondre \u00e0 toutes vos [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":13033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actualite"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13032","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13032"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13032\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13040,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13032\/revisions\/13040"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13032"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13032"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubairealestate.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13032"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}