UAE Announces Four-Day Eid Al Etihad Holiday for Public Sector Employees

The UAE government has declared a four-day break for public sector employees in celebration of Eid Al Etihad, the country’s National Day holiday. The announcement confirms that Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2, will be paid holidays for all ministries and federal entities. Regular working hours will resume on Wednesday, December 3.

The long weekend results from the two official holidays aligning with the preceding Saturday and Sunday, offering residents one of the final extended breaks of the year.

This year’s dates reflect the Cabinet resolution that came into effect on January 1, 2025, which allows certain public holidays to be shifted to the beginning or end of the week when they fall midweek—provided the Cabinet issues an activating decision. While an earlier announcement had listed December 2 and 3 as holidays, they were adjusted to December 1 and 2 for 2025.

However, the resolution does not apply to Eid holidays, which remain fixed. The unified holiday policy implemented nationwide ensures equal public holiday allocations for both public and private sector employees throughout the year.

Eid Al Etihad, marking the UAE’s formation on December 2, 1971, continues to be celebrated as a moment of unity, heritage, and national pride. Families and communities across the Emirates come together to honour the nation’s resilient past and bright future.

Across the country, celebrations will illuminate major cities. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other emirates will host cultural showcases, heritage parades, family-oriented entertainment, and culinary events. Dubai residents can look forward to live concerts—including a performance by Emirati star Balqees at Festival Bay—alongside comedy shows, theatre productions, sporting events, and spectacular fireworks displays across popular destinations.