There is no better feeling than an approaching long weekend, and in Dubai, that often means one more excuse to explore, eat well or sleep in. If there is one thing all Dubai folks have in common, it’s looking forward to a lazy Monday morning spent at home after the usual weekend entertainment.
But be it a Monday or any other day of the week, public holidays are a great time to connect with family and friends or discover Dubai’s ever-expanding list of attractions.
Use this guide for simple dos and don’ts so your next day off feels relaxing, not rushed.
The great part about public holidays in Dubai is that you can still visit all the city's main attractions. Most parks, malls, beaches and attractions stay open, with occasional time changes, so check venue pages before you go. The city is built for visitors and residents to be out and about, which is convenient when the long weekend finally lands.
Corporate and government offices close on official holidays, but parks, malls, beaches, and retail stores stay open. See the quick list below for what usually changes.
Long weekends are perfect for a quick getaway. Dubai and the UAE usually club the day(s) off with the regular weekend so that people can enjoy an extended break.
However, as you can imagine, whether it’s a trip out of town or a staycation within the UAE (Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, and Khorfakkan, anyone?), expect flight and hotel prices to jump with demand.
Plan early and book ahead so your budget does not take the hit.
If you’ve lived in Dubai for any amount of time, you’d know that taxis in the UAE can feel steep.
If you don’t drive, you aren’t left with much choice other than to take one of the several public transport options that the city has, including the Metro or a bus.
Lucky for you, Dubai often extends metro, tram, bus and marine services on holidays. For 2025, expect extended hours on key dates and occasional free parking windows, so check the latest RTA advisory before you go.
There is a lot to do in the UAE during the public holidays. However, a common mistake most people make during the holidays is visiting the usual haunts. Popular beaches, parks, or attractions like the Global Village get crowded quickly.
Instead, try earlier slots at neighbourhood beaches, Al Qudra lakes, Jaddaf waterfront paths, or culture walks in Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha.
The best part of the New Year in this city is the fireworks. Only in Dubai, folks. Only in Dubai.
But there is a flip side to that glamour and experience, and it’s not just exclusive to the fireworks show. Massive traffic always accompanies any major event in Dubai. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of people having missed the entire event because they were stuck in a jam. Ouch.
So, how do you avoid the nightmare traffic? Arrive early, use park-and-ride where possible, and watch RTA feeds for rolling closures around fireworks or parade zones.
Dubai is known to have a welcoming local culture. Despite a large expat population, people in the UAE live together as a community.
During a public holiday, there are traditionally a lot of local events such as fairs and exhibitions, especially in the historic Al Fahidi (Bastakiya) area, which showcase the rich heritage of the country. Look for heritage shows, poetry, oud performances and majlis-style experiences in historic quarters.
It's a great opportunity to take a break from your usual routine and spend a few hours soaking up the city’s history.
The UAE takes public conduct seriously, penalising intoxication in public, driving under the influence, public displays of affection, immodesty, or indecency. Read our comprehensive list of what to strictly avoid doing while in Dubai.
It is not wise to go overboard during the holidays. Keep it respectful, especially around religious observances such as the Prophet’s Birthday and the Islamic New Year.
Here is another great tip that your bank account will thank us for! Prices rise, but promotions do too. Many hotels and restaurants push holiday promo and special discounts. Often retail sale periods overlap with these breaks, too. Check Cobone for discovery deals, follow Facebook groups like Dirham Stretcher for crowd tips, and sign up for hotel newsletters to unlock resident rates.
Islamic calendar holidays are based on moon sighting, so exact dates are set by official announcements. The entries below reflect confirmed government circulars where available.
Holiday |
Gregorian date(s) 2025 |
New Year’s Day |
Wed, 1 January |
Eid al-Fitr |
Sun, 30 March to Tue, 1 April (with Wed, 2 April possible if Ramadan completes 30 days) |
Arafat Day & Eid al-Adha |
Thu, 5 June to Sun, 8 June |
Hijri New Year (Islamic New Year) |
Fri, 27 June |
Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid) Prophet |
Fri, 5 September |
Commemoration Day |
Mon, 1 December |
UAE National Day |
Tue–Wed, 2–3 December |
The UAE Cabinet may shift some holidays to create longer weekends, except for key religious dates. In 2025, National Day is Tue to Wed 2–3 December, with any adjustments announced officially.
Moving home? Holidays are popular moving days, so book your mover early, confirm building permits and lift bookings, and check your community’s holiday access rules.
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