The UAE government has officially announced a four-day public holiday from June 5 to June 8, 2025, to celebrate the significant Islamic occasions of Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha. Both government and private sector employees will enjoy this time off, with work resuming on Monday, June 9.
Eid Al Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the spirit of sacrifice and coincides with the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Arafat Day, which occurs a day prior to Eid, is a time for fasting and reflection, holding deep spiritual significance for Muslims.
This announcement has prompted questions regarding public holiday entitlements under UAE labour law, particularly in scenarios where holidays may fall on weekends or coincide with an employee’s regular day off. Legal provisions outline compensation rules and leave entitlements, clarifying how these holidays are observed.
In the UAE, Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on Friday, June 6, 2025. While the Day of Arafat will be observed on June 5, various countries may have differing observance dates. For instance, Pakistan, Morocco, and Malaysia are expected to celebrate Eid on Saturday, June 7, 2025, due to moon sighting variations.
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation have confirmed the holiday dates are applicable to both sectors. However, according to Article 29 of the UAE Labour Law, if a public holiday coincides with a weekend, employees are not entitled to carry it forward or receive an additional day off.
Employees required to work during a public holiday must receive compensation, which can take the form of a compensatory day off or pay that includes regular salary plus at least 50% extra. It’s important to note that if a public holiday falls on an employee’s scheduled day off, no additional leave is granted.
Furthermore, the UAE Fatwa Council has clarified that Eid Al Adha prayers and Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers will occur separately on June 6, 2025, resolving previous debates and adhering to Islamic jurisprudence.
The Eid prayer, performed shortly after sunrise, consists of two rak’ahs and is followed by a khutbah that emphasizes the festival’s values. Eid Al Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, with festivities including communal prayers, acts of charity, and ritual sacrifices.
Arafat Day, expected on June 5, 2025, marks the second day of Hajj and is celebrated by fasting and reflection for those not participating in the pilgrimage. Following Eid, the next public holidays in 2025 include the Islamic New Year on June 26 and the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday on September 5, with exact dates to be confirmed closer to the events.
