New Year holiday in the UAE promises a blast of celebrations, offering exciting events, fireworks, and joyful moments. The Federal Authorities in UAE have confirmed good news for the employment sectors here! The Federal Authority of Government Human Resources issued that Wednesday, 1st January 2025 is officially declared a holiday for all the public and private sector employees in UAE! This holiday was declared on Friday, 20th December 2024.
New Year Holiday Dates Confirmed by UAE Government Officials
The UAE Cabinet Ministry has earlier confirmed that Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, would be on the employee holiday list as New Year Holiday. The holiday is also depicted within the 2025 Gregorian calendar. The other holidays include Eid Al Adha, Eid Al Fitr, the National Day or Eid Al Etihad, and the Hijri or Islamic New Year Holiday in UAE! Some of the proper holidays to consider in 2025 across Dubai are suggested below:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st, 2025
- Eid Al Fitr – March 31st to April 2nd, 2025
- Arafat Day – May 30th, 2025
- Eid Al Adha – May 31st to June 2nd, 2025
- Islamic New Year – June 27th, 2025
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – September 1st, 2025
- Commemoration Day – December 1st, 2025
- Eid Al Etihad – December 2nd and 3rd, 2025
According to official reports, the UAE federal government will resume its regular activities and educational curricula starting from January 2nd, 2025. In an update shared on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, will be observed as a public holiday for all employees working in the private sector across the UAE. This holiday is part of the official New Year celebrations, allowing workers a day off to mark the beginning of the new year. Regular working hours and operations for both public and private entities are expected to resume the following day, Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.
This public holiday has brought some happiness for the employees who can take time to celebrate the New Year’s Eve occasion in the UAE. Various carnivals, events, concerts, and amazing tours will be conducted across the UAE for the New Year occasion. The Burj Khalifa fireworks is a must-see event in Dubai, offering visitors stunning views and free seating options at select locations for an unforgettable New Year’s celebration.
All free viewing areas across Downtown Dubai will begin their booking process from 5 PM onward on New Year’s Eve. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the high volume of visitors, several of the busiest roads in the area will be closed to ensure public safety and smooth crowd control during the celebrations. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is still in the process of finalizing and confirming the specific timings for public transportation operations and road closures for the New Year period. Visitors are advised to stay updated through official channels and plan their travel accordingly to avoid delays or disruptions on the big night.
Apart from the iconic Burj Khalifa fireworks display, visitors celebrating the New Year Holiday in Dubai can enjoy a wide range of exciting experiences. Soothing dhow cruises along the Dubai Marina offer a relaxing way to take in the city’s illuminated skyline, while thrilling desert safaris provide an adventurous escape into the golden dunes. These experiences are ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to make the most of their holiday. All bookings for these events and tours can be easily made online through trusted travel websites or by contacting reputable tour operators located throughout the Dubai mainland and beyond.