How to turn 18 days’ leave into 51 days off in the UAE in 2025

Being more strategic around how to apply for leave might be an interesting New Year’s Resolution for many in the UAE.

As the saying goes: work hard; play hard. And with smart planning, you can turn 18 days of leave into 51 days off by aligning your time off with the UAE’s public holidays and weekends.

Here’s how you can make the most of the year.

UAE public holidays for 2025

Firstly, it’s good to know what public holidays you’re potentially working with.

The UAE Cabinet resolution No. 27 of 2024 confirms the following public holidays for both the public and private sectors:

• New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
• Eid Al Fitr: Three days from Shawwal 1-3 (likely Monday, March 31 to Wednesday, April 2). An extra day may be added if Ramadan completes 30 days.
• Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha: Friday, May 30 (Arafat Day) and Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2 (Eid Al Adha).
• Islamic New Year: Friday, June 27
• Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birthday: Monday, September 1
• Commemoration Day and UAE Union Day: Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3

Exact dates for Islamic holidays will be confirmed by the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee. Also, you will have to pay close attention to official government announcements for final confirmation of dates.

Nevertheless, these tentative dates are at least useful for planning.

The ultimate leave plan

Here’s how you can then combine public holidays, weekends, and annual leave to maximise your time off in 2025:

1. January 1 to 5
   • Take 2 annual leave days (January 2 and 3) to get 5 consecutive days off.
2. March 29 to April 6
   • Take 2 annual leave days (April 3 and 4) to get 9 days off potentially, including Eid Al Fitr and weekends.
3. May 30 to June 8
   • Take 4 annual leave days (June 3 to 6) to get 10 consecutive days off potentially during Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha.
4. June 21 to 29
   • Take 4 annual leave days (June 23 to 26) to get 9 days off, including Islamic New Year.
5. August 30 to September 7
   • Take 4 annual leave days (September 2 to 5) to enjoy 9 consecutive days off, including Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birthday.
6. November 29 to December 7
   • Take 2 annual leave days (December 4 and 5) to get 9 consecutive days off, including Commemoration Day and UAE Union Day.

How this works

This plan leverages UAE’s public holidays, which often align with weekends, to stretch annual leave days further. The second part of resolution No. 27 of 2024 also ensures that holidays (except Eid) falling on weekends may be moved to weekdays by Cabinet decision, maximising their impact.

Key considerations

Islamic holidays depend on lunar phases, so their dates may shift slightly. It’s essential to stay updated with announcements from the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee to confirm the exact dates closer to the time.

Additionally, local variations may apply. Some emirates might declare extra holidays for government employees or special occasions, adding further opportunities to extend your leave.

By planning strategically and staying informed, you can make the most of your annual leave in 2025.