The United Arab Emirates government has announced a three-day paid holiday for public sector employees to mark the country's 55th National Day, according to Khaleej Times. The official break covers December 2, 3, and 4, which fall on a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday respectively. Ministries and federal entities are scheduled to resume regular working hours on Monday, December 7. This announcement transforms the traditional two-day celebration into a five-day long weekend for public sector staff who typically observe Saturday and Sunday as their weekend. Consequently, employees will not need to utilize annual leave days to extend the break.
Private sector employees face a different arrangement. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed that private sector workers are entitled to two days off on December 2 and 3. Because these dates fall mid-week, private sector staff will not automatically receive a long weekend. To achieve a five-day break that bridges the Saturday-Sunday weekend, private employees must take annual leave on Friday, December 4. Khaleej Times reported that this structure allows residents to plan trips or staycations during the cooler weather period.
The holiday schedule is influenced by a law passed in 2025 that makes certain public holidays transferable. This regulation allows mid-week holidays to be shifted to the beginning or end of the week to create longer continuous breaks with the weekend. In the previous year, the National Day holidays originally scheduled for December 2 and 3 were moved to December 1 and 2. This transfer resulted in a four-day break for residents following the Saturday-Sunday weekend, extending from November 29 to December 2.
Eid Al Etihad, which translates to Celebration of the Union, commemorates the unification of the seven emirates in 1971. This year's celebrations focus on the Year of Family, highlighting the role of families and communities in shaping the nation's journey over the past 55 years. Events across the emirates will include cultural performances, heritage parades, and family entertainment. The government aims to promote family cohesion and consolidate community awareness among citizens and residents during this festive period.