Upcoming GCC public holidays, National Day closures: What to know

From the UAE’s commemorative events to Oman’s consecutive national days, the holidays are poised to affect both the public and private sectors

by Nida Sohail

November 11, 2025

Upcoming GCC public holidays, National Day closures: What to know

Image credit: Getty Images

As 2025 approaches its final quarter, businesses, financial institutions, and travelers across the Gulf region are preparing for a series of important national holidays. These celebrations not only reflect each nation’s history, leadership, and culture but also carry practical implications for commercial operations, banking schedules, and workforce planning. From the UAE’s twin commemorative events to Oman’s consecutive national days, and from Qatar’s founding celebration to Bahrain’s independence observances, the upcoming holidays are poised to affect both the public and private sectors.

While some nations like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait see minimal year-end disruptions, the cluster of events across other Gulf states underscores the importance for companies and regional stakeholders to strategically plan operations and logistics ahead of time. This year-end period provides a unique lens into how Gulf countries honor national pride while balancing economic and societal rhythms.

UAE: Commemoration and national Pride

According to the UAE Government’s official portal, the country will observe two public holidays in the final quarter of 2025:

Commemoration Day: November 30, 2025 (Sunday)
UAE National Day: December 2–3, 2025 (Tuesday and Wednesday)

These holidays, declared under the UAE Cabinet Resolution regulating both public and private sector observances, serve as a tribute to national unity and remembrance of those who have served the country.

Oman: Dual celebrations highlight leadership and heritage

Oman will observe two consecutive national holidays in late 2025, according to the Oman News Agency and the Royal Decree establishing public holidays:

Oman National Day: November 18, 2025 (Tuesday)
Birthday of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq: November 19, 2025 (Wednesday)

The back-to-back events underscore the Sultanate’s unification and honor its leadership, accompanied by cultural displays and nationwide public events.

Qatar and Bahrain: Founding and independence celebrations

Qatar’s anticipated national observance, aligned with the official holiday schedule is:

Qatar National Day: December 18, 2025 (Thursday)

This holiday commemorates Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani’s founding of the modern Qatari state.

Meanwhile, Bahrain will celebrate its independence and heritage on:

Bahrain National Day: December 16–17, 2025 (Tuesday and Wednesday)

The two-day event closes banks, schools, and ministries, highlighting the Al Khalifa family’s leadership.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait: Minimal year-end holidays

Saudi Arabia’s calendar shows no public holidays after Saudi National Day on September 23, 2025 (Tuesday), with the next major holiday, Founding Day, slated for February 22, 2026. Similarly, Kuwait confirms no year-end public holidays from October to December 2025, with National Day and Liberation Day observed again in February 2026.

Gulf public holidays – Final quarter 2025

Country	Holiday/Event	Date(s)	Day(s)
UAE	Commemoration Day	Nov 30, 2025	Sunday
UAE	National Day	Dec 2–3, 2025	Tuesday–Wednesday
Oman	National Day	Nov 18, 2025	Tuesday
Oman	Sultan Haitham’s Birthday	Nov 19, 2025	Wednesday
Qatar	National Day	Dec 18, 2025	Thursday
Bahrain	National Day	Dec 16–17, 2025	Tuesday–Wednesday
Saudi Arabia	No year-end public holidays	N/A	N/A
Kuwait	No year-end public holidays	N/A	N/A

Businesses operating across the Gulf are advised to align schedules, anticipate closures, and plan ahead as these national celebrations mark not only public holidays but also periods of heightened cultural significance and community engagement.