Ahead of the UAE’s 54th National Day, both public and private sector workers are set to enjoy a long weekend. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced 1 and 2 December (Monday and Tuesday) as paid holidays. Everyone will enjoy a 4-day long weekend, when combined with the preceding Saturday and Sunday. With the weather getting cooler, this is the perfect time to enjoy Dubai’s beaches and pools.
Ministries and federal entities will resume regular working hours on Wednesday, 3 December. A cabinet resolution, which came into effect on 1 January 2025, permits certain public holidays to be transferred closer to the start or end of the weekend, in cases where they fall on a weekday. While an earlier announcement had set Tuesday, 2 December, and Wednesday, 3 December, as the paid holidays for the National Day, this year the holidays have been moved to allow everyone to enjoy a long weekend. This resolution, however, does not apply to Eid holidays.
Eid Al Etihad is celebrated every year on 2 December to commemorate the unification of the Emirates in 1971. Everyone can enjoy cultural showcases, heritage parades, tuck into diverse culinary delights, and marvel at spectacular fireworks.
It's the last public holiday of the year – so be sure to make the most of it!